Seen Here: (L-R): Glenrose Xaba, Tayla Kavanagh and Karabo More in action at the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
DURBAN — Two-time champion Glenrose Xaba is setting her sights on another memorable performance at the Boxer Super Run Durban, with the South African distance-running star determined to make history when she returns to the starting line on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
The Boxer Athletics Club standout has established herself as one of the event’s most successful athletes, winning the inaugural Durban race in 2023 before returning to claim her second title in 2025.
Now, the Pretoria-based runner is chasing a third victory over the fast 5km course, hoping to strengthen her legacy at an event that has become a special fixture on her racing calendar.
Xaba missed the 2024 edition after it clashed with her impressive marathon debut, but her return last year underlined her affinity for the race. She improved on her inaugural winning time of 16:03 in 2023, crossing the finish line in 15:27 in 2025.
With those victories behind her, the defending champion returns with confidence, experience and a clear understanding that past success offers no guarantee of another triumph.
Durban holds special memories
For Xaba, the Boxer Super Run Durban represents more than another opportunity to add silverware to her collection. The race has become associated with some of the most memorable moments of her career.
“Winning the inaugural Durban race in 2023 and then coming back in 2025 and winning again made me appreciate the event even more,” says Xaba.
“Returning as a two-time champion gives me confidence, but it also gives me motivation to keep working hard. Every race is different, and you cannot rely on what you achieved before. I’m looking forward to creating another special memory in Durban.”
Her approach reflects the discipline required to remain competitive at elite level. While her familiarity with the course gives her valuable insight, Xaba knows she must execute her race plan carefully against a field eager to challenge her dominance.
A third title would be another significant milestone in her career, but the South African star is determined not to allow the prospect of history to distract her from the task at hand.
Seen Here: (L-R): Karabo More and Glenrose Xaba in a sprint finish at the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Racing smart for a third title
Xaba believes understanding the demands of the course will help her make better tactical decisions during Sunday’s contest.
Rather than becoming preoccupied with breaking a particular time, she plans to focus on pacing, composure and responding intelligently to her rivals.
“I know what the course demands, so I can use that knowledge to race intelligently and be patient when necessary,” she says.
“Of course, I would love to fight for another victory. A third title would mean a lot to me, but my main focus will be on executing the plan my coach and I have prepared and giving my best on the day.”
Her race strategy will centre on maintaining a controlled effort before finding the strength to finish strongly.
“I don’t want to become too focused on the clock. The key will be getting the pacing right, staying relaxed, responding to the competition and having enough strength for the final kilometre. If I execute the race well, the time should take care of itself.”
It is an approach that places tactical discipline above the pressure of defending a title — an important consideration in a race where elite competition can make the difference over the closing stages.
Seen Here: Glenrose Xaba on her way to victory at the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Strong competition promises a fierce battle
Xaba welcomes the challenge of competing against athletes who push her to perform at her best.
For the defending champion, strong opposition provides an opportunity to learn, improve and discover what she can achieve under pressure.
“I enjoy racing against athletes who challenge me because those are the races where you learn the most,” she says.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone brings on race day and hopefully producing a race that spectators will enjoy.”
The prospect of another competitive elite women’s race has raised expectations ahead of Sunday’s event, with Xaba’s presence adding further intrigue to the battle for the podium.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, believes the two-time champion’s return will be a major highlight of the Durban race.
“Glenrose has become synonymous with the Boxer Super Run Durban, and having her back on the start line adds another exciting dimension to this year’s Elite Race,” says Meyer.
“She knows what it takes to win here, but she also knows that nothing is guaranteed. With a strong field lining up alongside her, we’re expecting another fiercely contested race and a great battle for the podium.”
Boxer welcomes its champion back
Xaba’s return has also been welcomed by Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, who says the runner’s connection with the event has been special to watch.
“Glenrose’s journey with the Boxer Super Run has been really special to watch,” says Pillay.
“She’s finished first on both occasions that she’s raced the Boxer Super Run Durban and has created some wonderful memories with us along the way. We’re excited to welcome her back and wish her all the best as she chases that third victory.”
The event caters to both elite competitors and recreational runners, bringing together athletes, families, running clubs, schools and social groups for a celebration of 5km road running.
For Xaba, however, Sunday’s race offers an opportunity to add another chapter to a story already defined by consistency and achievement.
Durban prepares for race day
The 2026 Boxer Super Run Durban takes place on Sunday, 18 October, over a 5km route starting at Snell Parade near Blue Lagoon Park and finishing at Blue Lagoon Park.
The Open Wave starts at 07:00, followed by the Super Social Wave between 08:00 and 09:30. The elite women’s race begins at 09:45, ahead of the elite men’s contest at 10:00.
Entries for the Durban event are sold out, with the Boxer Super Run Johannesburg scheduled for Sunday, 15 November, also sold out.
As race day approaches, the spotlight will be firmly on Xaba as she seeks to convert her experience and preparation into another victory.
She has already demonstrated that she knows how to win in Durban. Now, the challenge is to deliver once again against determined rivals who will be equally eager to claim the title.
Two victories have made Glenrose Xaba a Durban favourite. On Sunday, she returns with a third title in her sights — and the chance to turn an impressive record into an even more remarkable legacy.
