More Than A Race – Isiko Mpilo

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is thrilled to announce that entries for the 2025 Comrades Marathon are now officially open to all aspirant participants. This iconic ultramarathon, renowned for its challenging route and inspiring spirit, will take place on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Runners from around the globe are invited to run this historic event, which traditionally attracts athletes from nearly 75 countries.

Next year’s race will be the 98^th edition, spanning approximately 89km between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. This will be the 49^th Down Run, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing at Durban’s People’s Park.

Key Details:

• Entry Period: 13 November 2024 – 9 December 2024 or once the entry cap is reached
• Race Date: 8 June 2025
• Route: Pietermaritzburg to Durban – Down Run
• Entry Cap: 23,000 runners

How to Enter: Participants can register online at the official Comrades Marathon website www.comrades.com or via the Comrades App. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in this prestigious race, as entries are limited and expected to fill up quickly.

Entry fees remain the same as that of the 2023 and 2024 races and are as follows:

Entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades medals.

Sunday 10 November 2024

Xaba, Munnik strike Gold at inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane

Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik dominated the competition at the inaugural Boxer Super Run Tshwane, held at TUKS (Uitspan) on Sunday, 10 November 2024. They captured gold in the Elite Women’s and Elite Men’s events with impressive finishing times of 15:42 and 13:50, respectively.

After winning and setting a new national record at the Cape Town Marathon in her debut race, Glenrose 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 Tshwane.

"The race went well for the first 2-3 km, but I could feel the marathon still in my legs over the last 2 km," says an elated Xaba. "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. Starting fast and keeping a steady pace was the best approach. I’m incredibly grateful and want to thank God for such a wonderful year. Thank you to 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 thankful for my teammates, especially Karabo More, who I train with—she has speed. And of course, thanks to my grandmother, my mom, and Lebogang Phalula for their support.”

In closing Xaba adds, "The Boxer Super Run is such a great motivator for young, up-and-coming runners to start with shorter distances instead of jumping straight to 10 or 21km. It’s important to focus on track and cross-country when you're 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."

Boxer AC Elites Karabo More came in 2^nd, with Cacisile Sosibo finishing 3^rd.

South African middle-distance legend and celebrated coach Caster Semenya celebrated her Boxer Super Run debut in Tshwane with an impressive 7^th place position in a time of 17:58.

“The race was serious and tough, but absolutely beautiful and rewarding,” says Semenya. “I love challenging myself. Even though I’m kind of retired as an athlete, it’s exciting to see that we’re doing something right when I can still finish in the top 10. I’m so proud to run alongside my athletes and see them excel. For me, it’s a deeply fulfilling moment. The Boxer Super Run is fantastic. Watching so many participants brings me real joy because it keeps young people off of the streets. It sends a message: if you’re not running, what are you doing? There’s a sense of peace here, with people genuinely enjoying themselves.”

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,” says Munnik. “It’s a fantastic blend of competition, great incentives, and amazing support. I like to go out hard to assert a bit of dominance. About 1km in, Maxime Chaumeton broke away, Elroy (Gelant) chased him, and I decided to respond. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle between Elroy and me. In the last 800m, I made one final surge, and I think my bluff paid off. Congratulations to Elroy on securing yet another medal at a Boxer meeting —he’s an exceptional athlete. For me winning today is an incredible feeling; it’s my first major win on the road.”

Boxer AC Elites, Elroy Gelant came in 2^nd, with Chris Mhlanga finishing 3^rd.

"Congratulations to Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik on becoming the first winners of the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane! You truly brought the heat, setting an impressive standard for this event’s debut. It was thrilling to witness world-class performances at a world class facility such as TUKS,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We’re grateful to our valued sponsors, each entrant, and the enthusiastic spectators—your support brought this event to life and made it an unforgettable experience. Hosting an elite 5km race in Tshwane marks an exciting milestone, and we’re honoured to deliver such remarkable racing to this community."

“We were absolutely blown away by the incredible racing at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Tshwane,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “The atmosphere was electric, and the vibe was truly unmatched. Congratulations to our elite men’s and women’s winners, Glenrose Xaba and Luan Munnik, you set an inspiring pace and made this debut event unforgettable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make it possible, from the passionate supporters to every single participant. This event has set the bar high, and we can’t wait to continue building on its success!”

EVENT INFORMATION:  2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane

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

EXCITING NEWS: Discovery Vitality members earned Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane.

Impressive Prize Purse: The 2024 Boxer Super Run in Tshwane featured an impressive prize purse of R147,200.00, available to both the Elite Race and Open Wave participants. In the Elite Race, prize money was awarded to the top 8 male and female finishers, with the winners each receiving a well-earned R20,000. Additionally, in the Open Wave, the top 3 male and female finishers across various categories—Junior, Open, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+—were also recognized and rewarded for their efforts.
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