Mphahlele stuns favourites with record-breaking win as Xaba dominates Boxer Super Run Durban

It was business as usual for Glenrose Xaba in the women’s elite race at the Boxer Super Run Durban on Sunday, but track star Ryan Mphahlele secured a shock victory in the men’s race after outsprinting favourites Kabelo Mulaudzi and Elroy Gelant for a memorable debut win.

UJ runner Mphahlele became the fastest South African on African soil with his time of 13:37 in the 5km race, setting a new course record at the Boxer Super Run Durban in the process. Mulaudzi finished second in 13:39 after overtaking Gelant (13:42) on the home straight but was unable to catch Mphahlele.

Xaba breasted the tape in the women’s race in a time of 15:27, with Boxer Athletics Club teammate and training partner Karabo More second in 15:34, and local favourite Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood Athletics Club third in 15:35.

Mphahlele, who competed in the 1 500m at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, hinted at a gradual shift to more road races.

“The last time that I ran a 5km was two years ago,” said Mphahlele.

“The opportunity came, especially in Durban — it’s a coastal area — so I thought, let me come and top it. It was like a fitness run to me, to see where my fitness is at this time of the year.

"I’ve got a couple of races that are premeditated. It was good to see where I am at.

“Elroy was my toughest competition, and of course Kabelo Mulaudzi really showed up. When I looked back, I saw that Kabelo was moving closer, so I just had to take the sting out of him.

"It was my goal to win today, and it feels very good to cross the finish line first. I love Durban, I love the weather, and I’ll be back next year.”

Xaba, More and Kavanagh went out extremely fast in the women’s race and couldn’t be separated until a late kick by Xaba with about a kilometre to go.

“Today’s race was good. The pace was too fast,” said Xaba.

I recovered very well after two long runs that I did in preparation for my Valencia Marathon. I am very happy about the win, and with the competition from Karabo More and Tayla Kavanagh. Well done to them. It was a good race.

“I went with the strategy of my coach — just sit behind — but when you take the move, take it and don’t think about your training partner (More), she will follow. It feels good to be back and to be on the podium.”

Xaba won the race in 2023 but skipped last year’s edition before making a triumphant return on Sunday.