Following his outstanding performance at the Boxer Super Run in Durban on 13 October, where he not only secured first place in the Elite Men’s Race but also reclaimed the title of fastest South African on home soil with a remarkable time of 13:39, Boxer Athletics Club (AC) Elite Runner Precious Mashele is more motivated than ever.

He now sets his sights on replicating this success at his club’s second event, the Boxer Super Run in Pretoria, on Sunday, 10 November.

What made Mashele’s victory in Durban even more special was that it took place on his birthday.

“The Durban route was fast and flat, and we got so much support from the social runners. Winning on my birthday made it even more memorable. During the prize giving, everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me. It felt like a gift to myself to win my club’s race on such a special day. After the win, all the fatigue that had been weighing me down for months seemed to disappear. I am feeling light and energized again, and I have decided to make the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane one of my final races of the year,” Mashele responded after the race.

Reflecting on the race distance, Mashele added that he realized that the 5km is a serious distance, even a world championship distance, so he believes athletes need well-organised and fast 5km races in South Africa.

“A big thank you to Boxer AC, Boxer Superstores, and Stillwater Sports for putting on such a fantastic event. I am excited that the next race will take place at TUKS, a venue I know well from my time training with the Sponge Group. Despite the altitude, the course should be flat enough to allow us to push for fast times,” Mashele remarked.

The Boxer Super Run in Tshwane will boast an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. This prize purse applies to both the Elite Race and the Open Wave. In the Elite Race, prize money will be awarded to the Top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each taking home a well-deserved R20000. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the Top 3 male and female finishers in categories including Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ will also be rewarded for their efforts.

“We do not usually see prize money for 5km races. It is a great incentive because it encourages athletes to take the distance more seriously. Running fast 5-kilometre races can ultimately help us achieve better 10km times. Although the Pretoria race may not be as fast as Durban, with a strong field and good conditions, I think we can come close to 14 minutes. I am looking forward to closing out my season with a strong result at my club’s race. I will be aiming for a podium finish—and hopefully, a win,” Mashele noted.

 With 5km being the most popular distance globally, the Boxer Super Run attracts a diverse range of participants, from seasoned athletes to newcomers. This run is for everyone, and Tshwane will get to experience a world-class 5km road run firsthand.

For more info, visit Boxer’s social media pages at Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K and Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k .

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