Seen Here: Precious Mashele in action at the Boxer Super Run Joburg in 2025. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
South African distance-running star Precious Mashele and rising women’s contender Cacisile Sosibo are set to headline a competitive elite field when thousands of runners descend on Emmarentia for the Boxer Super Run Joburg on Sunday, 15 November 2026.
Johannesburg is gearing up for a thrilling morning of fast-paced 5km racing as some of South Africa’s leading athletes prepare to take on the Boxer Super Run Joburg, with Boxer Athletics Club’s Precious Mashele and Cacisile Sosibo among the headline names expected to light up the streets.
With entries officially sold out, anticipation is building for the November 15 event, which promises an exciting mix of elite competition, emerging running talent and social runners united by a passion for the sport.
For Mashele, the race presents an opportunity to test his speed and experience against a strong field of younger competitors, while using the event as part of his broader preparation for the Cape Town Marathon.
The accomplished distance runner is particularly excited about the opportunity to compete in a competitive 5km road race that offers prize money for elite athletes.
“I am excited to compete in the event because there are so few 5km road races that offer prize money for elite athletes,” says Mashele.
He expects a demanding contest, particularly against younger athletes looking to make their mark, but believes his marathon training could provide a valuable advantage over the latter stages of the race.
“As I am now getting older, I don’t have the speed of the younger guys, but I am currently training for the Cape Town Marathon. I am hopeful that the strength I gain from marathon training will help me in the later stages of the race.”
The Johannesburg route, which features several hills, could also play into his hands.
“The route has hills, and I hope my strength on the climbs will give me a chance against the younger guys,” he says.
With a strong contingent of South African athletes expected on the start line, Mashele is approaching the challenge with realistic expectations and a competitive mindset.
“The field is going to be strong and stacked with top South African athletes. As an old soldier, I would be very pleased if I managed to achieve a top-ten finish against the young guns.”
Seen Here: Cacisile Sosibo in action at the Boxer Super Run Durba in 2023. Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Sosibo ready to make her Joburg debut
While Mashele brings experience and established credentials to the competition, Cacisile Sosibo will have the added excitement of making her Boxer Super Run Joburg debut.
The Soweto-based athlete is looking forward to experiencing the event’s atmosphere and competing in a race that brings together elite athletes and everyday runners.
For Sosibo, the appeal of the Boxer Super Run extends beyond the competition itself. She believes the event reflects the growing popularity of road running in Johannesburg and provides an important platform for athletes across different levels of the sport.
“The Boxer Super Run Joburg attracts both elite and social runners, showing how much running is growing in Joburg,” says Sosibo.
“The vibe is always amazing, and I entered because I enjoy 5km racing and want to be part of such a big event in Joburg.”
Her approach to the race will be built around discipline, tactical awareness and a strong finish.
“My goal is to run smart, have a controlled start, a strong middle and a fast finish. With 5km racing, you need speed, but also patience.”
With a competitive elite field and a substantial prize purse expected to attract top performers, Sosibo is eager to make her presence felt.
“The route in Joburg is exciting, with great crowd support. I’m looking forward to experiencing it. With such a strong field and a great prize purse, my goal is to be competitive and fight for a top position.”
A celebration of elite and social running
The presence of athletes such as Mashele and Sosibo adds further excitement to an event that continues to position itself as one of the highlights on South Africa’s mass-participation running calendar.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, believes the quality of the elite field will contribute to an exciting morning of racing while reinforcing the event’s role in creating opportunities for established and emerging athletes.
“Having athletes of the calibre of Precious Mashele and Cacisile Sosibo on the start line adds to the anticipation, while the event continues to offer a platform for both established and emerging talent to showcase their abilities,” says Meyer.
“We look forward to seeing the competition unfold and welcoming thousands of runners to experience the unique atmosphere of the Boxer Super Run in Joburg.”
Beyond the elite competition, the event also reflects Boxer Superstore’s commitment to promoting athletics, encouraging participation and inspiring healthier lifestyles.
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, says the retailer is proud of its association with the event and the role it plays in bringing communities together through sport.
“We are incredibly proud of our association with the Boxer Super Run and the role it plays in encouraging more people to embrace an active lifestyle,” says Pillay.
“It is particularly exciting to see established athletes such as Precious Mashele and Cacisile Sosibo representing Boxer Athletics Club and inspiring the next generation of runners.”
She adds that the event’s inclusive format ensures that everyone, from elite competitors chasing podium positions to social runners looking for an enjoyable experience, has a place on the course.
All roads lead to Emmarentia
Following the Durban edition on 18 October, which saw Amogelang Tatai claim the elite men’s title in 13:38 and Glenrose Xaba win the elite women’s race in 15:29, attention now turns to Johannesburg.
The Joburg race will start on Orange Road in Emmarentia, with Marks Park Sports Club serving as the finish venue.
The programme caters for runners of different abilities, with the open wave starting at 07:00, followed by the Super Social Wave from 08:00 to 09:30. The elite women’s race gets underway at 09:45, followed by the elite men at 10:00, before the 1km Kids Race brings the morning’s programme to a close at 10:30.
With entries sold out, the stage is set for a memorable celebration of running in the heart of Johannesburg.
For Mashele, it is an opportunity to use experience and endurance to challenge a new generation of speedsters. For Sosibo, it is a chance to make a strong first impression on the Joburg course.
For thousands of other participants, it is an opportunity to be part of an event that celebrates fitness, community and the growing spirit of South African road running.
One city, one 5km challenge and a field packed with talent — the Boxer Super Run Joburg is ready to deliver a spectacular day of racing.
