Mashele eyes triumphant return at Boxer Super Run

Precious Mashele has had a rather forgettable season, his year blighted by calf and hamstring injuries that have seen him miss out on much racing.

It would not have been easy for him watching the likes of his Boxer Athletic Club teammate Kabelo Mulaudzi enjoying a brilliant run in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K series. Yet such is the life of a professional athlete — injuries are par for the course.

Mashele has now recovered and, having participated in the Jozi leg of the popular Absa series, he is excitedly anticipating this weekend’s Boxer Super Run. He goes into the 5km race as the defending champion, having won last year’s event ahead of Mulaudzi and their other teammate, Chris Mhlanga.

The host club is looking for yet another clean sweep in the Elite Men’s race, and logic would suggest the in-form Mulaudzi — who, in addition to his four RUN YOUR CITY victories, also won the national 5km title and the cross-country 10km crown — should be the favourite. But Mashele is not going to let go of his title that easily.

“I was proud to win for my club, Boxer, because they have been supporting me for many years. This year, I’ve been struggling with injury, which is why I’m motivated to come back strong and win my club race — to thank Boxer and ntate Swanepoel (Rhyn Swanepoel, Boxer AC’s club manager) for all their support during difficult times. The prize money will be a nice bonus, especially since I haven’t been able to race much this season.”

He was in scintillating form last year, clocking a fast time of 13:39 — a second ahead of Mulaudzi, while Mhlanga was third in 13:43.

“Last year, I won the Boxer Super Run in Durban on my birthday, which was very special for me,” Mashele said.

“Because of the good prize money, the field for the Boxer Super Run is always strong. There are 5km and 10km road runners, as well as 1 500m and 5 000m track athletes, all competing for the prize. That tough competition is what pushed me to run a fast time in Durban.”

The Banana City is a favourite for many runners, as they often produce fast times there — Mulaudzi among them.

“I’ve generally run well in Durban. The 5km and 10km are my favourite distances, so the Boxer Super Run Durban is an event I really look forward to. I think I have a good chance of winning the race, but part of my success comes from being very respectful of my opponents.

"My goal is a win and a personal best. I try to stay flexible with my racing tactics, but generally, I find my strength and speed in the last 2km help me perform well. Durban has always been a special venue for me — the course and the beachfront always fill me with excitement and a desire to perform at my best.”

Mhlanga says the Boxer Super Run is special because the club’s athletes get to showcase their talent in their own premier 5km event.