New course records as Mphahlele and Xaba emerge victorious at Boxer Super Run Durban

Former SA 5km record holder Ryan Mphahlele produced a scintillating performance covering the 5km of the Boxer Super Run Durban in an impressive 13:37 on Sunday 12 October in Blue Lagoon. Mphahlele's winning time was a new course record eclipsing the previous mark of 13:39 set by Precious Mashele on his way to victory last year. In-form Kabelo Mulaudzi followed closely, crossing the finish line just two seconds later to grab second, while South African Marathon record holder Elroy Gelant took the last podium position.

Speaking to the media, moments after finishing, Mphahlele credited the great competition and the cool weather conditions as the major factors behind his stellar performance at the third edition of South Africa's richest 5km race.

After winning his very first Boxer Super Run Durban 5km race to pocket R20 000, Mphahlele says his gradual transition to road running has begun. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"Its been long since I last did a 5km road race - almost two years ago. But I felt good and I enjoyed myself. I'm very happy to win the race. From the start, I controlled the pace. I must commend the competition that Elroy gave me throughout the race as we were together for much of it. Later on, when I looked at the back, I saw Kabelo closing the gap then I upped the pace. Overall, it was a very good day for me,” said an elated Mphahlele.

Today’s run comes just three months after the SA 1500m Olympian dipped under 28 minutes for the first time when he posted an incredible 27:59 against a quality field of athletes at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, sparking talks that he may be ready to hang up his track spikes. Mphahlele, who is trained by Elvis Khoza, admitted that he is considering making the transition to road running.

The Boxer Super Run Durban which attracted a field of 5000 participants, boasted iconic views on Sunday 12 October 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"You never know. It was my first time running the Boxer race. The vibe from the people of Durban is amazing. This is why I never thought twice when I got the opportunity to race here. Slowly, I'll try to move to the road now. It’s process not something I'm going to do overnight. I still have to discuss with my coach and take it from there," he concluded.

In the women's race, South African road running queen Glenrose Xaba who won the inaugural race in 2023, lived up to the favourite tag clinching the race in 15:27 which is just seventeen seconds shy of Elana Meyer’s 15:10 SA Record. Xaba was followed by her training partner and defending champion Karabo More in 15:34, while Hollywood Athletics Club athlete Tayla Kavanagh secured third place in 15:35.

Xaba controlling the pace in the battle against Tayla Kavanagh. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote.

"The race was good. I managed to control the pace well. I knew when to make my move and build the lead since we discussed everything with the coach. I'm deep in marathon training so to win such races gives me a speed," explained Xaba who has confirmed that she will race the Valencia Marathon in Spain on 7 December.