Xaba closes brilliant year with victory in Boxer Super Run Tshwane
The first Boxer Super Run Tshwane, which was presented on Sunday at the Tuks Sports Campus in Hatfield, was a great success and one of Pretoria's superstar road athletes ended her year with a victory in the women's Elite race.
Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik dominated the competition at the inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane, held at the Tuks Sports Campus in Hatfield on Sunday.
They captured gold in the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s events with impressive finishing times of 15:42m and 13:50m, respectively.
After winning and setting a new national record at the Cape Town Marathon in her debut race, Xaba had one final goal before a well-deserved rest – to proudly represent her club, Boxer Athletics Club (AC), at the Boxer Super Run in Pretoria.
“The race went well for the first 2-3 km, but I could feel the marathon still in my legs over the last two kilometres. I kept pushing, reminding myself that I needed to perform for my club. My plan was to break away from the start because, coming off the marathon, I knew if the pace slowed, the other runners would catch up,” an elated Xaba said after the race.
Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
Starting fast and keeping a steady pace was the best approach for her.
“I’m incredibly grateful and want to thank God for such a wonderful year. I also want to thank my coaches, Caster and Ledile Violet Semenya for motivating me, as well as Rhyn Swanepoel from Boxer AC for encouraging me to always do well. I’m also thankful for my teammates, especially Karabo More, who I train with – she has speed. And of course, thanks to my family for their support,” the star athlete remarked.
According to Xabat the Boxer Super Run is a great motivator for young, up-and-coming runners to start with shorter distances instead of jumping straight to 10 or 21km.
Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
“It’s important to focus on track and cross-country when you are young. I only moved up to 10km when I became a senior, so I’m grateful to Boxer for creating an event that encourages young runners to take their time and build strength. I’m happy to win the first Boxer Super Run in Tshwane. Winning the debut race in Durban last year, and now this first race here, is truly special, and I’m very grateful,” Xaba concluded.
Boxer AC Elites Karabo More ended second, with Cacisile Sosibo finishing third in the Elite Women’s race.
South African middle-distance legend, Caster Semenya celebrated her Boxer Super Run debut in Pretoria with an impressive seventh place position in a time of 17:58m.
Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
“The race was serious and tough, but beautiful and rewarding. I love challenging myself. Even though I’m kind of retired as an athlete, it’s exciting to see that we are doing something right when I can still finish in the top 10,” says Semenya commented.
Luan Munnik was over the moon to celebrate his first major road victory at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.
“The Boxer Super Run is such an amazing fitness test for us track athletes, and for the road runners, it’s a speed challenge. It’s a fantastic blend of competition, great incentives, and amazing support,” Munnik remarked after his gold medal performance.
Boxer AC Elites, Elroy Gelant finished second, with Chris Mhlanga taking the bronze in third place.
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