Mphahlele excited to return to Boxer Super Run Durban
After dominating the Boxer Super Run circuit in 2025 with victories in both Durban and Johannesburg, South African long-distance runner Ryan Mphahlele will return to Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026, ready to test himself over 5km once again.
A strong supporter of the Boxer Super Run, the Tembisa resident is particularly fond of Durban’s fast course. While he returns as the defending champion, he knows that this year’s race will be a different challenge.
“Whenever I line up at a race, I want to win,” admits Mphahlele. “But my fitness isn’t anywhere near where it was at this time last year. I’ll definitely compete for the win, but I’ll also use the race to see where my fitness is now and how I compare with the other athletes.”
Looking back at last year’s victory, Mphahlele says the experience reminded him of the importance of believing in yourself while also respecting the competition. No matter how strong you feel going into a race, he believes you can never afford to underestimate your opponents.
“I enjoy the fast, flat course and expect the tactics to be similar to last year,” he continues. “The standard was already very high, and the win didn’t come easily. I had to fight all the way to the finish, so I’m expecting even tougher competition this year. It should make for an exciting race, not only for us on the course but also for the spectators following the action on the big screen.”
The attractive prize purse is another incentive for Mphahlele, adding an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be a highly competitive Elite Race.
Mphahlele’s return is expected to add further excitement to an already competitive Elite Race, with Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, welcoming the defending champion back to Durban
“Ryan knows what it takes to win on this course, having produced a hard-fought performance last year, but he is also honest about where he is in his preparation,” says Meyer. “That makes his return particularly interesting. With Ryan lining up alongside a strong field of elite athletes, we can expect another fast and fiercely contested race.”
For Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, seeing Mphahlele back on the Durban start line is another reason to look forward to race day.
“We’re excited to welcome Ryan back to the Boxer Super Run Durban,” says Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores. “He brings a competitive edge to the event, but he also represents what the Boxer Super Run is about - giving runners the opportunity to challenge themselves, enjoy the experience and be part of something special. We know our Durban runners and spectators will be excited to see him back on the start line.”
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