At Boxer, we believe in backing champions—on the track, on the road, and in life. That belief came to life on Sunday where the Boxer Athletics Club (BAC) surprised South African marathon legend Elroy Gelant with a R45, 000 cheque in honour of his outstanding performance earlier this year.

In April 2025, Elroy made history at the Hamburg Marathon in Germany, becoming South Africa’s fastest-ever marathon runner with an incredible time of 2:05:36. This record-breaking effort shattered the long-standing national men’s marathon record held by Gert Thys for 26 years. “We are incredibly proud of Elroy. Aside from his historic run in Hamburg, he is a role model for young athletes across the country,” said Rhyn Swanepoel, BAC Manager, during the cheque handover alongside BAC Chairperson Jade McNally. “Elroy’s dedication, resilience, and performance perfectly reflect the spirit of Boxer and the Boxer Athletics Club.”

The surprise presentation took place just moments after Elroy crossed the finish line at the Durban event, surrounded by fellow runners and supporters. It was a great day out for the #TeamOfChampions with several extraordinary results surrounding Elroy’s surprise handover which took place after the ABSA Run Your City 10km road race on Sunday. Elroy, who finished 5^th in the race, watched as fellow BAC athlete Kabelo Maluadzi took the overall win, becoming the only South African in history to run five sub-28-minute 10km races! Only three South African athletes made it into the Men’s top 10 — and all three were BAC athletes!

In the ladies' race, BAC superstar Glenrose Xaba finished 5th overall as the first and only South African woman in the top 10, while fellow elite athletes Karabo More placed 11th, Zanthe Clingham 12th, and Cacisile Sosibo 13th, showcasing strong depth from the Boxer Athletics Club team.

Celebrating Our Team of Champions

The Boxer Athletics Club has long been home to some of South Africa’s most talented distance runners, offering support not just through sponsorship, but through real partnerships with athletes on their journey to greatness. From local development races to international marathons, BAC athletes consistently fly the Boxer flag high.

“This isn’t just about the cheque—it’s about recognising hard work and inspiring others to dream big,” said BAC Chairperson Jade McNally. “Elroy has proven that with focus and commitment, South Africans can take on the world and win.”