RYAN MPHAHLELE wins gold at the Boxer Super Run Joburg defending his 5km title in 14:19.
JOHANNESBURG — RYAN MPHAHLELE produced a timely reminder of his quality on Sunday morning by successfully defending his Boxer Super Run Joburg 5km title in 14:19, shaving a second off the winning time he recorded last year.
The victory was particularly satisfying for the Tembisa lad whose 2026 season has been anything but straightforward. After an injury-disrupted first half of the year, Mphahlele is finding his rhythm again and ending the season on a high.
However, defending his title was not as comfortable as the finishing time might suggest. The Hollywood Athletics Club athlete admitted to being full of anxiety through much of the race, having to resist the temptation to take control early and instead trust his instincts.
“To be honest with you, I was anxious because I’m used to going out fast, but I felt uncomfortable having the guys around me,” Mphahlele explained at the finish line “I just had to stick it out, remain mentally tough and not panic. And the moment was right. I just went.”
His approach was a departure from his usual aggressive racing style. When an athlete from Waterfall moved to the front early in the race, Mphahlele was initially uncertain about the pace and whether the move was a genuine challenge or simply an attempt to take responsibility at the front.
Rather than responding immediately, he allowed the race to develop before making his decisive move.
Karabo More claims Women's gold at the Boxer Super Run Joburg.
“I wasn’t sure whether the pace was really fast or slow. When I saw him, I thought, maybe someone has to take the lead other than me this time,” he said.
The victory also offered some satisfaction after Mphahlele finished second to Amogelang Tatai at the Boxer Super Run Durban earlier this year. Although Tatai was not in the Joburg field, Mphahlele was pleased to demonstrate his progress against a quality field.
“The guy who beat me, he’s not here. If he was here, I would have tried to go for the win as well. But I think winning here, running against quality athletes, shows progress and I’m happy.”
Musawenkosi Mnisi of Boxer Athletics Club was runner-up jusst three seconds behind Mphahlele while his teaamte Zenzile Pheko completed the podium positions in 14:32.
The 5km distance appears to be becoming a particularly happy hunting ground for Mphahlele, who admits that he enjoys the demands of faster racing.
“It’s fast. I enjoy fast running. I think that’s why maybe I also do better at these races,” he said.
Looking back on his season, Mphahlele described 2026 as a year of two halves, with a difficult opening period followed by a gradual return to form.
He did not complete until late June after suffering a hip injury that forced him out of action for almost two months. Returning to training was challenging, with the athlete having to rebuild his fitness gradually before getting back into competitive racing.
“The first half, I was a no-show. I didn’t run a lot. Actually, I didn’t run at all. I only ran my first race in late June. I took a couple of losses, but it’s good to get wins, especially towards the end of the year. You’re only as good as your last race right?”
He believes patience and consistency have been central to his recovery, with the gradual process of rebuilding now beginning to deliver results.
“Baby steps took me where I am right now, so I just have to stay consistent.”