Precious Mashele determined to defend his Boxer 5km title

The elite women’s race will get underway at 9:45am, followed by the men’s elite race fifteen minutes later along the scenic beachfront.

With a total prize purse of R147,200 and R20,000 up for grabs for each winner, the event remains the richest 5km race in South Africa.

Mashele, representing the Boxer Running Club, will be aiming to defend the title he won last year in 13:39, but this year’s challenge comes after a tough battle with a serious knee injury that sidelined him from several major races.

Mashele hopes Sunday’s race will mark the start of a successful comeback.

“Last year, I won the 5km title on my birthday, which made it extra special,” he told SABC Sport. “The prize money is good, and this race attracts top runners from all disciplines — 5km, 10km, 1500m, and 10,000m — so it’s always tough. But strong competition makes me a better athlete.”

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The 33-year-old revealed that he used part of last year’s winnings to build a house for his family in Limpopo, and he remains grateful to Boxer and his management team for standing by him through injury.

Standing in his way is Kabelo Mulaudzi, one of the country’s most in-form road runners, who has dominated the 10km scene with three consecutive national cross-country titles.

Mulaudzi finished just a second behind Mashele last year in 13:40, while another Boxer teammate, Chris Mhlanga, claimed third in 13:43.

This has been one of the most challenging years of my career,” he said. “I want to come back stronger and repay my club for the faith they’ve shown in me.”

His coach, Hendrick Ramaala, says the athlete is finally turning the corner after months of frustration.

“He’s motivated again, but it’s been a long, difficult road,” Ramaala explained. “Injuries don’t just affect the body — they affect the mind too. In sport, there are no guarantees, and that’s what makes his comeback so meaningful."