Seen Here: (far right): Kyla Jacobs in action at the Boxer Super Run Durban in October where she placed 3rd behind Glenrose Xaba (1st) and Karabo More (2nd). Photo Credit: Anthony Grote
Fresh from a regional gold medal, Modupe Tladi makes his Boxer Super Run debut alongside Kyla Jacobs, as a competitive elite field prepares to take on Johannesburg’s 5km course on 15 November.
JOHANNESBURG, 9 November 2026 – Johannesburg is preparing for an exciting morning of competitive road running as the 2026 Boxer Super Run returns to the city on Sunday, 15 November, with emerging distance-running talents Modupe Tladi and Kyla Jacobs among the athletes targeting the coveted elite titles.
The 5km event, which will start along Orange Road in Emmarentia and finish at Marks Park Sports Club, is expected to bring together some of South Africa’s leading athletes for a high-intensity racing experience.
Representing Boxer Athletics Club, both Tladi and Jacobs will be looking to make their mark in Johannesburg, although their approaches to the challenge differ.
For Tladi, the race presents an opportunity to translate his recent success into another strong performance on a competitive national stage.
The Bramley-based athlete arrives in encouraging form after securing gold in the men’s 5km road race at the Region 5 Marathon in Tshwane during the first weekend of November. He clocked an impressive 13:53, finishing ahead of Musawenkosi Mnisi and Zenzile Pheko.
Making his Boxer Super Run debut, Tladi is eager to measure himself against an elite field and has set his sights on a podium finish.
“I think the Boxer Super Run is a good event that will really suit me if there are hills. My goal in Joburg is to finish in the top three, with my ultimate goal being to become one of the best at the Boxer Super Run,” says Tladi.
His recent victory provides a confidence boost heading into the Johannesburg contest, where course conditions, race tactics and competition are likely to play important roles in determining the outcome.
Jacobs, meanwhile, will make her Johannesburg debut in the Elite Women’s Wave, bringing experience from her previous participation in the Durban edition, where she finished third.
Originally from Somerset West, Jacobs is particularly enthusiastic about the 5km distance, which she describes as her favourite racing category.
“The 5km is my favourite distance, and the Boxer Super Run, irrespective of the city in which it takes place, is always a fun event with amazing support,” says Jacobs.
She views the Johannesburg race as an opportunity to test her ability against some of the country’s strongest competitors while pushing herself towards faster times.
Having already secured a podium finish in Durban, Jacobs is determined to improve on that result and move further up the standings.
“I jumped at the opportunity to take part in the Boxer Super Run in Joburg because it gives us the opportunity to race against some of South Africa’s best athletes while pushing each other to faster times,” she adds.
Her preparation philosophy centres on discipline, recovery and race execution.
“To get the most out of yourself over the 5km distance, you need to train smart, listen to your body and stick to your race plan,” Jacobs explains.
With both athletes bringing competitive ambitions to the event, the Johannesburg edition offers an opportunity to showcase the depth of South African road-running talent.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, says the addition of Tladi and Jacobs strengthens an already exciting elite line-up.
“Modupe Tladi and Kyla Jacobs are both exciting additions to the Boxer Super Run Joburg elite line-up, and it will be interesting to see what they can achieve over the 5km distance,” says Meyer.
He adds that the organisers are anticipating high-quality racing and another memorable celebration of the sport in Johannesburg.
For Boxer Superstores, the event also represents a continued investment in athletics and the development of running talent, while creating opportunities for participants across different ability levels.
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, says supporting emerging athletes while encouraging wider community participation remains central to the event’s purpose.
“Seeing runners like Modupe Tladi and Kyla Jacobs stepping up to compete against some of South Africa’s best is extremely rewarding,” says Pillay.
She adds that the Boxer Super Run is designed to bring together professional athletes, recreational runners, schools, businesses and running enthusiasts through a shared sporting experience.
Seen Here: Modupe Tladi claims gold in the Men’s 5km Road Race at the Region 5 Marathon in Tshwane the first weekend in November in 13:53, finishing ahead of Musawenkosi Mnisi and Zenzile Pheko. Photo Credit: Cecilia van Bers
More than an elite race
While the elite competition will provide the headline attraction, the Boxer Super Run Joburg is designed to accommodate a broader running community through different participation waves.
The programme begins with the Open Wave at 07:00, welcoming club runners, school groups, serious competitors and recreational participants.
The Super Social Wave follows between 08:00 and 09:30, providing an opportunity for friends, corporate teams, charities and groups to participate in a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.
The elite competitions will begin with the women’s race at 09:45, followed by the men’s race at 10:00. A 1km children’s race is scheduled for 10:30.
Participants’ entry packages include an event performance T-shirt, goodie bag, race number with timing chip, on-route experience and finisher’s medal.
The organisers have confirmed that entries for the Johannesburg edition are sold out, reflecting strong interest in the event.
Building the running culture
The Boxer Super Run’s expansion across major South African cities highlights the growing appeal of accessible road-running events that combine elite competition with community participation.
The Durban edition, held on 18 October 2026, saw Amogelang Tatai claim the Elite Men’s title in 13:38, while Glenrose Xaba won the Elite Women’s race in 15:29.
Those performances have set an exciting competitive benchmark as Johannesburg prepares to host its own edition.
With Tladi seeking a podium finish on debut and Jacobs looking to improve on her previous third-place result, the spotlight will be firmly on the athletes when the elite waves take to the streets.
Beyond the medals and finishing times, the event reinforces the role of athletics in creating opportunities for emerging talent, encouraging active lifestyles and bringing communities together through sport.
The Boxer Super Run Joburg takes place on Sunday, 15 November 2026, with the 5km race starting on Orange Road, Emmarentia, and finishing at Marks Park Sports Club.
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