'5km is very important' - New fast 5km race set for Durban in October. The Boxer Super Run.

Most seasoned South African runners would never dream of entering a 5km race. In fact, in this ultra and marathon mad corner of the world, most would even scoff at the idea of doing a 5km training run. Yet many of the world's elite marathon and half marathoners do at least one 5km time trial a week, while the best distance running coaches stress the importance of running hard and fast over 5km to improve one's performances over the longer distances. And with this in mind and World Athletics' push to grow mass participation through more 5km events, Boxer has announced a new race - the Boxer Super Run 5km.

"With the 5km distance being a global favourite, this event attracts a diverse range of runners, from seasoned athletes seeking to push their boundaries to newcomers exploring the world of road running. By infusing excitement into the sport, the Boxer Super Run aims to contribute to the growing popularity of shorter road races," explained Michael Meyer, Stillwater Sports Managing Director.

Marathoners and half marathoners emphasize the importance of racing 5km to build speed. Seen here (from left to right): Boxer Athletics Club Elite Runners Elroy Gelant, Precious Mashele, Glenrose Xaba and Stephen Mokoka will be seen in action in the Boxer Super Run Elite Race on Sunday 15 October 2023.

Meyer's team has been tasked with the responsibility of organising the inaugural race which takes place on Sunday 15 October 2023 in Durban. The event which caters for both social and elite runners is a point-to-point route starting at the Snell Parade with it's finish at the Blue Lagoon Park. While families will be out there to run/walk and have fun top runners will be trying to use the fast and flat course to improve on their 5km road personal bests, especially now that it is an official World Athletics Championship distance. Multiple SA Champion and 68 minute half marathoner Glenrose Xaba says the 5km distance is an important part of being effective over 10km and the half marathon.

"5km is very important," she told #TheTopRunner. "Especially when it comes to building your speed which you need to do along with your endurance runs. Without speed you can't run very fast, even if you have endurance. Remember that 5km is now recognised by World Athletics so it's an opportunity to run a fast time and qualify for the 5km World Champs. This race is for young and old, social and elite athlete. So just come and do 5km so you can have that speed in your legs."

Seen at the official launch of the Boxer Super Run at the Boxer Head Office in Westville (KZN) on Friday 04 August 2023. Back left to right: Richard Michael (PUMA South Africa), Michael Meyer (Managing Director of Stillwater Sports), Marek Masojada (Boxer Managing Executive), Enoch Skosana (ASA Road Running Chair), Karlien van Eeden (Coca-Cola Beverages), Rhyn Swanepoel (Boxer Athletics Club Chairman) and Mandla Mngomezulu (KZN Athletics). Front left to right: Precious Mashele, Glenrose Xaba, Kabelo Seboko and Willie Majombozi (Boxer Athletics Club Athletes). Photo Credit: Boxer Super Run.

Sponsored by Boxer with support from Coca Cola Beverages South Africa, participants in the Boxer Super Run 5k can choose between two starts at 7am or 8am. Children as young as 9 years old can enter with the entry fee priced at R100. Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Marketing says it makes sense for them to host the event in the city where their business first began.

"We are proud to host the most social run in South Africa, right here in KwaZulu-Natal, the

place where it all began for Boxer, 46 years ago. We are thrilled at the prospect of seeing many runners, both professional and social, taking on the 5km race and I encourage you to purchase your entry tickets now as they are going to sell out fast! We cannot wait to see you at the Boxer Super Run!" Click HERE to enter.