King Ryan vs Munnik, while women chase Xaba at inaugural Boxer Super Run Joburg 5km

After winning the Boxer Super Durban 5km on debut, all eyes will be on Ryan Mphahlele when he races the first edition of the Boxer Super Run Joburg 5km on Sunday 9 November. After a disappointing World Championships campaign in Tokyo in September, the #Paris2024 has revived his season with a few encouraging performances, which included a season's best 3:58.50 victory at the Parys Crater Street Mile on 25 October. 

Mphahlele and Elroy Gelant in action during the Boxer Super Run Durban on Sunday 12 October 2025. Mphahlele claimed gold in 13:37, while Gelant secured a 3^rd place position in 13:42. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"The 5km distance requires a lot of speed endurance to sustain the high tempo, especially in elite races," said Mphahlele reflecting on his 13:37 win in Durban. "I really enjoy the Boxer Super Run and look forward to racing more 5km road events. The R147K combined prize purse is exciting and motivates us to perform. I obviously entered for the prize money, but it’s also a good test to see how I handle the hilly streets of Joburg. I’m looking forward to running in Jozi and, of course, soaking up the vibe with the social runners before and after the event. My goal is simply to win the race."

But the 27-year-old will have to work hard to secure victory with a top class field assembled including the likes of Chris Mhlanga, Precious Mashele and Luan Munnik. Munnik, who is the reigning SA 1500m champion, finished in a close second behind Mphahlele (3:59.00) during that road mile race in the Northern Free State town of Parys almost a fortnight ago. Pointing at Mphahlele's 2025 which has seen him run a sub 28 10km and 3:32.27 1500m, Munnik is under no illusions about what it will take to beat the man affectionately known as King Ryan.

Mphahlele and Munnik going head to head at the Parys Crater Mile on 25 October where King Ryan emerged victorious. Photo Credit: Parys Crater Mile.

"We met in a close finish at a street mile recently, so I'm looking forward to giving him a run for his money over 5km now," said Munnik who won the 2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane 5km. "Ryan ran a really good race (in Durban), and his range on both the track and road has been very impressive this year. He’s clearly in great form. My main goal is to race smart and go for the win. Joburg’s altitude makes pacing a bit tricky, but I believe a winning performance will naturally result in a strong time."

The women's race also boasts an impressive start list. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer Super Run Durban 2025 and Boxer Super Run Tshwane 2024 Champion), Karabo More (Boxer Super Run Durban 2024 Champion), Zanthe Taljaart and Cian Oldknow have all confirmed their readiness to bring the heat on race day. With Boxer Athletics Club's top runner Glenrose Xaba having claimed gold at the Boxer Super Run’s Durban debut in 2023 and its Tshwane debut in 2024, the road racing star admits that securing victory in Joburg would complete a remarkable streak.

Xaba breaks away from More to claim gold at the Boxer Super Run Durban that was hosted on Sunday 12 October 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"What I really love about the Boxer Super Run is that it brings great competition and amazing energy wherever it goes," said Xaba. "Winning in Joburg would complete a special streak - taking gold at all three debuts would be something I’m really proud of. Boxer has done a great job of creating a platform where athletes can test themselves while also connecting with the community."