Pheko and Jansen set to bring fresh fire to Boxer Super Run Durban

Representing Boxer Athletics Club, Zenzile Pheko and Nicola Jansen are set to line up at the Boxer Super Run Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026, ready to take on the fast-paced 5km challenge.

Hailing from Bramley, Johannesburg, Pheko believes that the Boxer Super Run Durban offers one of the most beautiful race settings.

“It’s a well-organised event with beautiful scenery along the beachfront,” says Pheko. “I’m attracted by the opportunity to improve my time in a 5km road race, while competing against some of the best runners in South Africa. Racing against such a strong field will be valuable for my experience and career growth.”

“The route will allow me to run hard, and the fact that there aren’t many turns suits me well. Lining up alongside some of the country’s top athletes will give me a good indication of where I am and what I need to work on. As I continue to grow in my professional career, my primary focus is on performing well and running faster times. There aren’t many races that offer this kind of opportunity at sea level. The prize money is definitely a cherry on top.”

Having spent the past five years in America, Nicola Jansen is relishing the opportunity to return home and make her Boxer Super Run debut in Durban on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

“I think this is a very exciting event because it gives us, as athletes, the wonderful opportunity to run a fast 5km on the road at sea level,” says Jansen. “My goal is to chase a big PB, as I have never run a fast 5km on the road at sea level before, so I’m really excited to see what I can do. I also entered because it’s another great opportunity to race alongside some fast women and get my name out there a little more.”

Jansen acknowledges that racing a 5km requires a different approach to a 10km. “With a 5km, I focus a lot more on speed endurance with my coach so that the faster pace feels more comfortable,” she explains. “You have to be prepared for the fact that you won’t feel as comfortable as you would at the start of a 10km, but you also need to be careful not to go out too fast. There’s a fine line. I think my strategy going into this 5km will be to feel comfortably uncomfortable.”

For Jansen, however, the opportunity to race on home soil is just as important as the chance to chase a fast time.

“I just love being back in South Africa and racing against elite athletes in my own country. There is just something about the camaraderie and atmosphere that you don’t get anywhere else. Being surrounded by your people makes you want to put it all out there!”

“We’re excited to welcome Zenzile Pheko and Nicola Jansen to the Boxer Super Run Durban in 2026,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “Both athletes bring exciting talent and ambition to the start line. The Boxer Super Run provides athletes with an opportunity to test themselves over a fast 5km while racing alongside some of the country’s leading performers. We’re looking forward to seeing what Zenzile and Nicola can produce on race day.”

Welcoming Pheko and Jansen to the Boxer Super Run Durban, Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, says their participation adds to the excitement surrounding this year’s event:

“There is something incredibly exciting about watching athletes step onto the Boxer Super Run start line, especially when they have the opportunity to race in front of thousands of passionate runners and supporters. We hope Zenzile and Nicola enjoy every moment of the experience, embrace the incredible Durban atmosphere and use the platform to showcase their talent. We can’t wait to see them line up and make their mark on race day.”

EVENT INFORMATION:  2026 Boxer Super Run 

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