Glenrose Xaba delights in personal best Boxer 5km Super Run

The 30-year-old clocked an impressive 15:27 to win her second crown in Durban after skipping last year’s race.

Speaking to SABC Sport after her victory, Xaba said the win was particularly satisfying given her heavy marathon training load.

“The race went well, but the pace was very fast, considering I did a 30km training run on Monday for my marathon prep,” said Xaba.

“It shows I’m in great shape and recovering well. I’m happy to win again and run a personal best here – my first time was 16:01 in 2023, so this is special.”

Her win earned her R20,000, while clubmate Karabo More claimed second place in 15:43 to pocket R12,000, and Hollywood Athletics Club’s Taylor Kavanaugh finished third in 15:53 to take home R9,000.

Xaba praised her fellow competitors for pushing her throughout the race, while also crediting coach Violet Semenya for a simple but effective race strategy.

“Karabo and Taylor gave me a real challenge, I’m proud of both of them. Karabo ran a personal best, and I believe Taylor did too,” she said.

“Coach Violet told me to take control early and not overthink it. She said Karabo would follow, and that plan worked perfectly. It feels great to be back on the podium after missing last year’s event.”

Xaba’s latest triumph adds to an outstanding 2025 season, in which she defended her Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix title with five straight wins and secured the national half-marathon championship in Limpopo.

She said her focus now shifts to the Lisbon Half Marathon, which will serve as her final tune-up before the Valencia Marathon in December.

“I love racing in Durban, it feels like my second home. But now the focus shifts to Lisbon and then Valencia,” she concluded.

READ: Steyn advises Xaba ahead of Valencia Marathon debut