The road is about to become a money machine.
South Africa’s fastest 5km runners will have R294 400 worth of reasons to put their feet to the fire when the Boxer Super Run storms Durban and Johannesburg in October and November.
With R147 200 up for grabs at each event, the country’s elite road-running guns will have plenty of financial fuel for their engines.
The Durban showdown hits Snell Parade near Blue Lagoon Park on Sunday, 18 October, with Johannesburg following at Orange Road, Emmarentia, on Sunday, 15 November.
At both races, the Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s winners will pocket a cool R20 000 each.
That makes this five-kilometre sprint a small package carrying a heavyweight punch.
“Boxer Super Run is proud to offer an impressive prize purse of R147 200 at both the Durban and Joburg events in 2026,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“The Boxer Super Run continues to elevate the profile of short-distance road running by creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete, perform and be recognised for their achievements.”
The cash will be spread across the Elite and Open Wave categories, with the top eight men and women in the Elite Race earning prize money.
In the Open Wave, the top three men and women in every age category, from Junior through to 70+, can also chase a slice of the loot.
Meyer believes the 5km is the perfect sporting pressure cooker.
“The 5km is one of the most exciting distances in road running because it demands a unique combination of speed, endurance and race strategy. For elite athletes, every second counts, making for an incredibly competitive and compelling race.”
The format promises racing with the throttle jammed against the floor. There is nowhere to hide when five kilometres turns every second into a precious commodity.
Lee-Ann Pillay, Head of Marketing at Boxer Superstores, says the prize purse reflects the brand’s commitment to South African athletes.
“By offering an impressive prize purse of R147 200 in each city, we’re proud to recognise the dedication, determination and talent of South Africa’s elite athletes,” says Pillay.
“We hope this added incentive inspires athletes to push themselves and give their best on race day.”
Then comes the fun.
The Super Social Wave, running from 08:00 to 09:30, invites costumed runners, groups, companies, charities and social runners to turn the streets into a moving carnival.
Pillay urges them to stick around for the elite showdown.
“It’s a great opportunity to witness world-class racing up close and be part of the atmosphere.”
Durban’s elite women fire the starting gun at 09:45, followed by the men at 10:00. Joburg follows the same elite schedule, with a 1km Kids Race at 10:30.
Both events are already SOLD OUT.
The medals may be shiny, the goodie bags generous and the social waves colourful. When the elite field explodes from the start line, though, the smiles will disappear and the racing gloves will come off.
Five kilometres.
R147 200.
And a R20 000 jackpot waiting at the finish line.
That is one short road to serious money.
For further information about Boxer Superstores, please visit www.boxer.co.za
