Munnik and Mphahlele set for explosive 5km showdown as Xaba chases rare hat-trick

TRACK speedsters Luan Munnik and Ryan Mphahlele, both past winners of the men’s elite 5km race in the Boxer Super Run series, will square off in the debut Joburg leg at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday, while Glenrose Xaba chases a rare hat-trick of debut titles in the women’ elite race.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The mouthwatering showdown between Munnik, winner of the 2024 Boxer Super Run Tshwane, and Mphahlele, who claimed the recent Durban leg, promises to be a showstopper, with both athletes eyeing gold.

According to Munnik, the 5km distance is a perfect balance between speed and endurance.

“It's where a 1500m track specialist like me can mix it up with the longer-distance road runners. It’s fast, tactical and tests complete fitness,” said Munnik. “My victory at the Boxer Super Run Tshwane was special. Running 13:50 on a tough route gave me a lot of confidence for the 2025 track season that followed.”

Mphahlele, who competed in the 5000m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, stunned pre-race favourite Kabelo Mulaudzi to grab victory on his series debut at the Boxer Super Run Durban in October, clocking 13:37.