Durban and Johannesburg set for high-energy 5km celebrations as leading brands unite behind South Africa’s growing running culture
Seen Here: Entrants enjoying the action of the Boxer Super Run in 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
The Boxer Super Run is set to raise the bar for its 2026 race-day experience with the return of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) as Official Hydration Partner and the arrival of Rexona as Official Deodorant Sponsor.
The partnerships will add further energy to two of South Africa’s most anticipated 5km road-running events, with the Boxer Super Run heading to Durban on Sunday, 18 October, followed by Johannesburg on Sunday, 15 November.
Launched in 2023 through a partnership between Stillwater Sports, Boxer Superstores and CCBSA, the Boxer Super Run has rapidly established itself as a major fixture on South Africa’s running calendar. Built around the world’s most popular running distance, the event has carved out a distinctive identity by bringing elite athletes, recreational runners, walkers, families and first-time participants together on the same start line.
The continued involvement of CCBSA and the addition of Rexona underline the event’s growing appeal as a platform that combines sport, entertainment, community and active living.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, said the partnerships bring together brands that share the Boxer Super Run’s commitment to movement and healthy lifestyles.
“We’re excited to welcome Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa back as our Official Hydration Partner while also welcoming Rexona to the Boxer Super Run family as our Official Deodorant Sponsor,” said Meyer.
He added that the partnerships would contribute to an event environment designed to keep participants refreshed, motivated and engaged throughout their race-day experience.
For Boxer Superstores, the partnerships reinforce its focus on creating accessible experiences that connect communities through movement.
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, said CCBSA and Rexona were a natural fit for an event designed to encourage more people to get active.
“At Boxer Superstores, we’re passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together through movement,” said Pillay.
She said the retailer was proud to continue its relationship with CCBSA while welcoming Rexona to the Boxer Super Run family, adding that the partnerships would help encourage more South Africans to lace up and participate.
CCBSA’s Steven Hayes, Key Customer Director, said the event represented more than simply a 5km race.
“More than just a 5km event, it brings friends, families, and communities together to celebrate movement, enjoy a memorable day out, and welcome the spirit of spring,” said Hayes.
He said CCBSA was proud to continue its partnership with Boxer Superstores and Stillwater Sports and looked forward to welcoming participants in Durban and Johannesburg.
Rexona, meanwhile, will bring its focus on confidence, movement and personal care to the 2026 series.
Sanele Gwala, Demand Creation Lead for Rexona, said the partnership provided an opportunity for the brand to connect with consumers in environments where movement and personal expression are central to the experience.
“This collaboration goes far beyond sweat protection. It’s about empowering people to move, express themselves, and push their limits with unshakeable confidence,” said Gwala.
Seen Here: Entrants enjoying the action of the Boxer Super Run in 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Durban first on the starting line
The 2026 Boxer Super Run series gets underway in Durban on Sunday, 18 October, with the 5km race starting at Snell Parade near Blue Lagoon Park and finishing at Blue Lagoon Park.
Participants can select from several race-day waves, catering for different levels of runners and different approaches to the 5km challenge.
The Open Wave starts at 07:00, offering an early start for club runners, serious runners, schools and mass participants.
The Super Social Wave, running from 08:00 to 09:30, is designed for groups, company teams, charities and participants looking to add an element of fun and personality to the event.
The competitive action will then take centre stage, with the Elite Women starting at 09:45, followed by the Elite Men at 10:00.
Entry was priced at R100, with participants required to be at least nine years old. Entries for the Durban event are already sold out.
Johannesburg ready for another 5km spectacle
The series will move to Johannesburg for the second edition on Sunday, 15 November.
The Joburg race will start on Orange Road in Emmarentia before finishing at Marks Park Sports Club.
As in Durban, the event will feature the 07:00 Open Wave and the Super Social Wave from 08:00 to 09:30, followed by the Elite Women at 09:45 and Elite Men at 10:00.
Johannesburg will also feature a 1km Kids Race at 10:30, adding another family-focused dimension to the event.
Entries for the Joburg Boxer Super Run are also sold out.
Seen Here: Entrants enjoying the action of the Boxer Super Run in 2025. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
More than a race
A major part of the Boxer Super Run’s appeal is its ability to blur the traditional boundaries between competitive road running and mass participation.
While elite athletes will battle for the coveted titles of King and Queen of the Boxer Super Run 5K, thousands of recreational participants will have their own objectives — from chasing personal bests to completing their first 5km or simply enjoying the atmosphere with friends and family.
Every entrant receives a Boxer Super Run performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number and timing chip, together with an on-route experience and a finisher’s medal.
The event’s inclusive format also gives participants the freedom to choose how they experience the race, with the Super Social Wave encouraging groups and individuals to embrace the fun side of road running.
At the elite level, the Boxer Super Run provides a platform for some of South Africa’s leading athletes to test themselves over the fast 5km distance, while the mass participation component continues to introduce new audiences to road running.
With both 2026 events sold out, the demand surrounding the Boxer Super Run demonstrates the strength of South Africa’s recreational running culture — and the growing appetite for events that combine competition with entertainment, community and lifestyle.
With CCBSA returning to keep runners hydrated and Rexona joining the event as its Official Deodorant Sponsor, the 2026 Boxer Super Run promises to deliver a race-day experience built around one simple idea: get moving and enjoy the run.
