'Everybody will go out really fast' - Kavanagh, Jacobs and Xaba to do battle at Boxer Super Run

As World Athletics continues to encourage its affiliate members around the world to grow 5km running as both an elite athlete and mass participation event, South Africa's first major 5km road race will take place on Sunday. With a lightening fast course run from Snell Parade to Blue Lagoon in the seaside city of Durban and an unprecedented Prize Purse of R147 200, the Boxer Super Run has attracted a talented field of local top runners. Chief amongst them are Tayla Kavangah and Kyla Jacobs who recently returned from representing the country at the inaugural 5km World Championships in Latvia.

“A 5km road race is a little bit of a different strategy," she told #TheTopRunner when asked about her experience of running a number of European 5km road races this season. "Everybody is going to go out really fast. Obviously we’ve seen some spectacular times this year. Excited to represent Puma and looking forward to the journey ahead with them," said Jacobs who finished 16th position overall in Riga in a new personal best of 15:51.

Kavanagh and Jacobs running shoulder to shoulder at the recent World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia. The pair will meet again at the Boxer Super Run. Photo Credit: Versus Socks.

Having claimed the national 5000m title (15:59.12) in Potchefstroom in April and with a top eight finish in the same event at the 2022 African Championships, the 28-year-old will certainly start as one of the favourites to win the first instalment of a race which will have four starts for serious social runners (07:00), super social runners (08:00 - 09:30), elite women (09:45) and elite men (10:00). But with Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh in the field, Jacobs won't have it all her own way.

Kavanagh in particular has been in excellent 5km form after winning the national title when she broke the tape at the inaugural Athletics South Africa 5km Championships in June. That victory earned her the right to represent the country in the Latvian capital where the 22-year-old ran a personal best 15:50 for 15th place. Since recovering from injury the Hollywood Athletic Club top runners says she is feeling motivated and has been inspired the jaw-dropping performances in women's road running over the last few weeks.

The leading men's bunch in action during the absa TSHWANE 10K in August. Elroy Gelant, Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi, and Nicholas Seoposengwe will battle it out again at the inaugural Boxer Super Run on Sunday 15 October. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

"Over the last few weeks training has gone well. II’m totally inspired especially by the marathon because I think women’s road running around the world is at an all-time high and it’s very motivating and inspiring to see what women are doing. It also inspires me to do my best," said Kavanagh.

The streets of Durban will be filled with excitement this coming Sunday, 15 October 2023, as runners and walkers of all ages and fitness backgrounds, from elite athletes to social participants, come together to celebrate the debut of the much-anticipated Boxer Super Run. "The Boxer Super Run welcomes participants of all backgrounds, whether they're elite runners, casual joggers or leisurely walkers. The Super Social Wave, however, caters to participants who relish the social aspect of the sport. We encourage these entrants to express their unique style by dressing up and contributing to the vibrant atmosphere" says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Department: Marketing.

Although online entries are closed, limited late entries available at Race Pack Collection

on Saturday 14 October 2023 from 09h00 - 17h00 at Blue Lagoon Park.