Modern Athlete Magazine 174 November 2024 | Page 31

ROAD RUNNING

Tshwane Triumph

Glenrose Xaba capped a brilliant year of multiple SA Records , SA titles and race wins with one more winning performance at the Boxer Super Run Tshwane , in spite of tired legs .

Just three weeks after winning the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and setting a new women ’ s national record in her debut marathon , Glenrose Xaba had one final goal before a well-deserved rest : To proudly represent her club , Boxer Athletics Club , at the new Boxer Super Run in Tshwane on 10 November . Having also set a new SA 10km Record this year , she continued her rich vein of form in Tshwane , taking the win in 15:42 , the second-fastest women ’ s time ever in South Africa ( behind her own 15:17 earlier this year in Durban ). The podium positions were filled by Boxer Super Run Durban winner , Karabo More ( 16:17 ), and Cacisile Sosibo ( 16:32 ).

“ The race went well for the first two to three kilometres , but I could feel the marathon still in my legs over the last two kays . I kept just pushing , reminding myself that I needed to perform for my club ” said Xaba . “ My plan was to break away from the start because , coming off the marathon , I knew if the pace slowed , the other runners would catch up . Starting fast and keeping a steady pace was the best approach .
In closing Xaba adds , “ The Boxer Super Run is such a great motivator for young , up-and-coming runners to start with shorter distances instead of jumping straight to 10 or 21 kilometres . It ’ s important to focus on track and cross-country when you ’ re young . I only moved up to 10km when I became a senior , so I ’ m grateful to Boxer for creating a 5km event that encourages young runners to take their time and build strength .”
First Major Win
In the men ’ s race , Maxime Chaumeton took the early lead , with Elroy Gelant chasing him and pulling Luan Munnik with him . A back-and-forth battle between Gelant and Munnik then ensued , until Munnik made the decisive break in the final kay to take the win in 13:50 , with Gelant second in 13:58 and Chris Mhlanga third in 14:13 .
The women ’ s field included former Olympic Champ Caster Semenya
“ In the last 800m , I made one final surge , and I think my bluff paid off . Congratulations to Elroy on finishing second and securing yet another medal at a Boxer meeting – he ’ s an exceptional athlete . For me winning today is an incredible feeling ; it ’ s my first major win on the road ,” said an elated Munnik . “ The Boxer Super Run is such an amazing fitness test for us track athletes , and for the road runners , it ’ s a speed challenge . It ’ s a fantastic blend of competition , great incentives , and amazing support .”

Tops in Tshwane

Top five results in the Boxer Super Run Tshwane on 10 November .
Elite Men
1 Luan Munnik ( Potch TC )
13:50
2 Elroy Gelant ( Boxer )
13:58
3 Chris Mhlanga ( Boxer )
14:13
4 Keanu Domingo ( Potch TC )
14:20
5 Gladwin Mzazi ( Boxer )
14:32
Elite Women
1 Glenrose Xaba ( Boxer )
15:42
2 Karabo More ( Boxer )
16:17
3 Cacisile Sosibo ( Boxer )
16:32
4 Karabo Maluila ( Tuks )
16:39
5 Millicent Nyaberi
( Nedbank / Kenya )
16:46

Races for Everybody !

The Boxer Super Runs offer 5km races for every level of athlete , with elite men ’ s and women ’ s waves , an open wave for non-elite racers , and a super social wave for those who just want to have a fun , timed 5km run , including those who dress up or want to run in a group for a company or charity . There are also 1km races for under-9 and under-10 youngsters .
“ We were absolutely blown away by the incredible racing at the Boxer Super Runs ,” says Lee-Ann Pillay , Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores . “ The atmosphere was electric , and the vibe was truly unmatched . Congratulations to our elite men ’ s and women ’ s winners , you set an inspiring pace and made the events unforgettable . We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make it possible , from the passionate supporters to every single participant . These events have set the bar high , and we can ’ t wait to continue building on this success !”
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