PHEKO AND JANSEN SET TO BRING FRESH FIRE TO BOXER SUPER RUN DURBAN
Representing Boxer Athletics Club, Zenzile Pheko and Nicola Jansen are set to line up at the Boxer Super Run
Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026, ready to take on the fast-paced 5km challenge.
Hailing from Bramley, Johannesburg, Pheko believes that the Boxer Super Run Durban offers one of the most
beautiful race settings.
“It’s a well-organised event with beautiful scenery along the beachfront,” says Pheko. “I’m attracted by the
opportunity to improve my time in a 5km road race, while competing against some of the best runners in South
Africa. Racing against such a strong field will be valuable for my experience and career growth.”
“The route will allow me to run hard, and the fact that there aren’t many turns suits me well. Lining up alongside
some of the country’s top athletes will give me a good indication of where I am and what I need to work on. As I
continue to grow in my professional career, my primary focus is on performing well and running faster times. There
aren’t many races that offer this kind of opportunity at sea level. The prize money is definitely a cherry on top.”
Having spent the past five years in America, Nicola Jansen is relishing the opportunity to return home and make her
Boxer Super Run debut in Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
“I think this is a very exciting event because it gives us, as athletes, the wonderful opportunity to run a fast 5km on
the road at sea level,” says Jansen. “My goal is to chase a big PB, as I have never run a fast 5km on the road at sea
level before, so I’m really excited to see what I can do. I also entered because it’s another great opportunity to race
alongside some fast women and get my name out there a little more.”
Jansen acknowledges that racing a 5km requires a different approach to a 10km. “With a 5km, I focus a lot more on
speed endurance with my coach so that the faster pace feels more comfortable,” she explains. “You have to be
prepared for the fact that you won’t feel as comfortable as you would at the start of a 10km, but you also need to be
careful not to go out too fast. There’s a fine line. I think my strategy going into this 5km will be to feel comfortably
uncomfortable.”
For Jansen, however, the opportunity to race on home soil is just as important as the chance to chase a fast time.
“I just love being back in South Africa and racing against elite athletes in my own country. There is just something
about the camaraderie and atmosphere that you don’t get anywhere else. Being surrounded by your people makes
you want to put it all out there!”
“We’re excited to welcome Zenzile Pheko and Nicola Jansen to the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2026,” says Michael
Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “Both athletes bring exciting talent and ambition to the start line.
The Boxer Super Run provides athletes with an opportunity to test themselves over a fast 5km while racing alongside
some of the country’s leading performers. We’re looking forward to seeing what Zenzile and Nicola can produce on
race day.”
Welcoming Pheko and Jansen to the Boxer Super Run Durban, Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer
Superstores, says their participation adds to the excitement surrounding this year’s event:
“There is something incredibly exciting about watching athletes step onto the Boxer Super Run start line, especially
when they have the opportunity to race in front of thousands of passionate runners and supporters. We hope
Zenzile and Nicola enjoy every moment of the experience, embrace the incredible Durban atmosphere and use the
platform to showcase their talent. We can’t wait to see them line up and make their mark on race day.”
EVENT INFORMATION: 2026 Boxer Super Run
1. Boxer Super Run DURBAN Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
Distance: 5km
Start Venue: Snell Parade, near Blue Lagoon Park, Durban
Finish Venue: Blue Lagoon Park, Durban
Event Waves & Start Times:
07:00 / OPEN WAVE (Anyone and everyone, club runners, serious
runners, schools, runners who prefer an early start, masses)
08:00 – 09:30 / SUPER SOCIAL WAVE (Dress up, groups, company
groups, charities, runners who prefer a slightly later start)
09:45 / ELITE WOMEN
10:00 / ELITE MEN
Entries Close: SOLD OUT
2. Boxer Super Run JOBURG Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
Entries Close: SOLD OUT
Boxer Super Run DURBAN & Boxer
Super Run JOBURG
Entry Includes:
Boxer Super Run Event Performance T-shirt
Boxer Super Run Goodie Bag
Race Number / Timing Chip
Fantastic On Route Experience
Boxer Super Run Finisher’s Medal
Facebook: Boxer Superstores / Boxer Super Run 5K
Instagram: @boxer_superstores / @boxer_superun5k
About Boxer Superstores:
Boxer is one of the fastest growing discount supermarkets in Southern Africa. With a cemented set of ‘people-centred’ goals and values, Boxer
has positioned itself as ‘Africa’s Favourite Discount Supermarket’. Since its humble beginnings 49 years ago in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, the
Boxer brand, (comprised of Boxer Superstores, Boxer Liquors and Boxer Build) has grown far and wide and offers services to shoppers in 606
stores spread across every province of South Africa, as well as in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
For further information about Boxer Superstores, please visit www.boxer.co.za
About the Boxer Super Run:
A world class 5km road run, the Boxer Super Run is set to captivate entrants, young and old, social, and elite, in the scenic city of Durban. With
5km being the most popular distance globally, the event attracts a diverse range of participants, from seasoned athletes seeking to challenge
their limits to newcomers venturing into the world of road running. This run is for everyone! A highlight on race day will be the Boxer Super Run
ELITE RACE where SA’s Elite athletes will go head-to-head in a men’s and women’s race for the coveted title of King and Queen of the Boxer
Super Run 5K! For the rest of the field, we’re not aiming for first place, we’re aiming for PB’s but most importantly we’re heading for fun!
Choose your wave for your 5km loop along the Durban promenade. Dress up or dress down, whatever you do make sure you follow the event on
social media and share your experience.
SUPPLIED.
