Monday 28 October 2024

Mashele aims for dominant finish at Boxer Super Run Tshwane

Following his outstanding performance at the Boxer Super Run in Durban on 13 October, where he not only secured 1st 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 Tshwane, on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

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,” says Mashele. “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’m feeling light and energized again, and I’ve decided to make the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane one of my final races of the year.”

Reflecting on the race distance, Mashele adds, “We’ve come to see that the 5km is a serious distance, even a world championship distance, so we 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’m 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.”

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 R20K. 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 don’t usually see prize money for 5km races,” Mashele notes. “It’s a great incentive because it encourages athletes to take the distance more seriously. Running fast 5kms can ultimately help us achieve better 10km times. Although the Tshwane race is at altitude and may not be as fast as Durban, with a strong field and good conditions, I think we can come close to 14 minutes. I’m 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.”

"Precious delivered an extraordinary performance in Durban, pushing through adversity and proving once again that he is a formidable athlete. We couldn’t be prouder of him, and we can’t wait to see him in action again in Tshwane," says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. "Boxer AC has cemented its reputation as one of South Africa’s top athletics clubs, and witnessing our athletes consistently excel at this level is truly rewarding. We can’t wait to see Precious, along with all our Boxer AC elites, showcase their talent at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane on 10 November."

EVENT INFORMATION:  2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane

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.

EXCITING NEWS: Discovery Vitality members can now earn Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run.
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k

Tuesday 22 October 2024

Boxer Athletics Club gears up for high-stakes action at Boxer Super Run Tshwane

A formidable group of elite runners from the Boxer Athletics Club (AC) is set to showcase their talent at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Tshwane, taking place at TUKS (Uitspan) on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

Boxer AC Elites dominated the Boxer Super Run in Durban on Sunday, 13 October, with Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi, and Chris Mhlanga claiming the top three spots in the Men’s Elite Race. Mashele's remarkable time of 13:39 once again crowned him the fastest South African to complete a 5km on home soil, breaking his own record from the 2023 event, where he finished in 13:44. In the Elite Women’s Race, Karabo More secured 1st place, with Cacisile Sosibo taking 3rd.

"We are immensely proud of the exceptional performances by our Boxer AC athletes at the recent Boxer Super Run in Durban," says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. "The Boxer Super Run not only provides a national platform for our athletes to showcase their talent, but it also cultivates a strong sense of community and camaraderie among runners throughout South Africa. We are thrilled with the success in Durban and can’t wait to bring the same energy, excitement, and results to Tshwane. This event is more than just a race—it’s about creating an inspiring environment where our elite athletes motivate and are motivated by runners of all levels."

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the debut of the Boxer Super Run at TUKS (Uitspan),” says Rhyn Swanepoel, National Manager of the Boxer Athletics Club. “I’ve always had a strong connection to TUKS, the venue is world-class and offers a safe, controlled environment. The race will take place entirely within the TUKS grounds, with no use of public roads, making it ideal for our athletes. Many of our runners are familiar with this prestigious venue, and they’re excited to compete in their club’s event here. Boxer AC has firmly established itself as one of South Africa's top pro clubs, and now, having two world-class events on the calendar is the perfect achievement. Our focus is to deliver a successful event and push for the best times possible, although the inland altitude in Tshwane presents more of a challenge compared to the faster coastal conditions in Durban. Nonetheless, we are excited and will arrive ready to race!”

Boxer AC Elite Runners set to compete at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane will include Karabo More, Cacisile Sosibo, Chris Mhlanga, and Tshegofatso Pilane, among others.

Fresh off her victory at the Boxer Super Run in Durban, Karabo More is eager for round two at the Boxer Super Run at TUKS (Uitspan) in Tshwane. “I’m excited that the event will be held in a familiar area. The grass track feels like my second home,” says More.

Cacisile Sosibo adds, “I have never trained at TUKS, but I’m thrilled that we can now participate in more Boxer Super Run events across different provinces. The prize money is impressive and serves as a strong incentive for athletes, motivating us to put in the hard work.”

Chris Mhlanga expects a challenging race, noting, “TUKS is a fantastic venue, so while the event is sure to be fun, it will also be demanding.”

Tshegofatso Pilane shares his enthusiasm: “TUKS is an excellent venue for the Boxer Super Run, and I look forward to racing there. My goal is to achieve a strong time and remain competitive.”

EVENT INFORMATION:  2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane

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.

EXCITING NEWS: Discovery Vitality members can now earn Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run.

If you missed the Boxer Super Run in Durban, watch the following highlights videos to see what went down:
Elite Race: https://bit.ly/EliteRace2024BoxerSuperRunDurban
Vibe: https://bit.ly/Vibe2024BoxerSuperRunDurban
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k
PRIZE PURSE: 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 R20K. 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.

Monday 21 October 2024

Karabo eager for more Boxer Super Run action, this time in Tshwane

After marking her Boxer Super Run debut with a victory in Durban on Sunday, 13 October, elite runner Karabo More from Boxer Athletics Club is primed for round two. This time, she’s set to compete at the second annual Boxer Super Run in Tshwane, taking place at TUKS (Uitspan) on Sunday, 10 November 2024.

By winning the Boxer Super Run in Durban, Karabo More set a new personal best of 16:16. “The Durban race was well-organized, with excellent time management and precision,” says More. “Placing first at such a world-class 5km event meant a lot to me. I truly appreciated the support from my favourite coach, Ledile Violet Semenya, my mentor Glenrose ‘Supercharge’ Xaba, my teammates and all the spectators on the day. As a Boxer athlete, I am proud that our club can host an event of this magnitude, and it’s a privilege to participate as part of the team."

More is looking forward to the Tshwane leg of the series. “I’m excited that the event will be at TUKS, a place I know well. The grass track there feels like my second home," she shares. “The Boxer Super Run offers a fantastic prize purse, which will definitely push athletes to deliver their best. It also encourages track athletes to enhance their endurance by competing."

In closing, More adds, “I don’t have a specific goal other than to run alongside my teammates and ‘the

big girls’ that will be participating. Just being at the front of the race with them is motivation enough. I’m not targeting a particular time, but I’ll work hard and see where that takes me. The Boxer Super Run is a thrilling and exciting event, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Boxer Athletics Club elite runner Chris Mhlanga secured a strong third-place finish at the Boxer Super Run in Durban, crossing the line in an impressive 13:43. Leading the pack was his teammate Precious Mashele, who claimed in 13:39, while Kabelo Mulaudzi followed closely in second place with a time of 13:40.

“The Boxer Super Run in Durban was a fantastic event, with many athletes achieving new personal bests on that fast course,” says Mhlanga. “I was pleased to see the increase in entries compared to last year, which shows how much the race is growing. It’s on track to becoming the premier 5km race in South Africa. I entered the Tshwane race because it's a Boxer event, and I’m proud of what it represents. As a club, we have to support it, and personally, I’m aiming to clock an even better time.”

Looking ahead to Tshwane, Mhlanga adds: “I expect it to be challenging but a lot of fun, especially with the event being held at such a great venue. My goal is definitely to secure a spot on the podium, and I’m targeting a low 14-minute finish—maybe even a sub-14 if the weather cooperates.”

“We are incredibly proud to have elite athletes like Karabo More and Chris Mhlanga representing the Boxer Athletics Club at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane in November,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “Their entry definitely sets the standard for high-level racing and is a testament to the level of excellence that we aim to bring to the Boxer Super Run series. We look forward to witnessing some exciting performances on race day.”

EVENT INFORMATION:  2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane

EXCITING NEWS: Discovery Vitality members can now earn Vitality points after completing the Boxer Super Run.
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k|
PRIZE PURSE: 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 R20K. 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.

The Dis-Chem Half Marathon Relaunches as The Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply for 2025.

After 22 years, Dis-Chem is proud to announce that its leading sports and wellness brand, Biogen has been appointed as title sponsor in 2025 for the Half Marathon and 5km Dash, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for their second year running.

The 23rd edition is proudly hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and will take place on 12 January 2025. Runners can look forward to the same high-quality event, with exceptional value, with a challenging route winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose. The route offers spectacular views and will offer the perfect kickstart to the running calendar in the New Year.

‘We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event’ said Rui Morais – CEO Dis-Chem Pharmacies. ‘The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and our emphasis on overall well-being has always been an anchor to the Dis-Chem brand, and this focus, supported by an ongoing investment in sport, simply echoes the brand promise that ‘Better Health Starts Here’. The long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics has served us well, and we have no doubt the team will deliver another first-class event, now with our premium brand Biogen at the forefront.’

Charnia Yapp, Race Director, said, ‘Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to hosting the 23rd race with a new title sponsor still within the Dis-Chem Group. We are delighted to continue the journey with Biogen, Momentum Multiply, Dis-Chem and all the co-sponsors who make races like ours possible for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy. The sponsors bring incredible value to the runners.’

Presenting sponsors Momentum Multiply offer a world-class wellness rewards programme that rewards members from day one for looking after their mental and physical wellbeing.

‘You earn rewards from day one for making healthy choices and for every step you take to improve your overall health. We’re excited to partner with the Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Dash because it aligns with getting our members to make healthier choices and stay active,’ said Márcia Eugénio – Head of Multiply that is part of Momentum Health Solutions.

Momentum Health Solutions is also avid supporters of multiple disciplines of sports across South Africa, with sound investment in cricket, cycling and running to name a few.

Biogen Brand Manager, Brandon Fairweather shares the sentiment. ‘Biogen have worked with Momentum Health Solutions on multiple, national events and it’s a seamless, natural fit with both brands being focused on the enhancement of health and fitness.’ He added: ‘We’re excited for this opportunity and grateful that Dis-Chem have entrusted us with their flagship event, and we look forward to building on what is already known to be a world class run.’

The Half Marathon will have a seeded start and will be timed as per normal. The race starts in Riley Road in Bedfordview at 06:00am on Sunday and the 5km Dash will also be timed, starting 30 mins later at 06:30am on the same day.

ENTRIES OPEN NEXT WEEK!

The race is known to sell out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. There are 6000 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag. Entries close on 15 December or once the 6000 available entries are sold. The 5km Fun Run will be back and there are 1000 entries available.

Funds will also be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

Bedfordview Country Club – Athletics
Race contact: WhatsApp 083 287 6792
info@biogen21.co.za