If you’ve spent any amount of time in the South African running scene recently, chances are you’ve seen him. Usually dancing. Usually smiling, and usually running frighteningly fast in a full tuxedo, while the rest of us overheat in split shorts and regret. 

David Kaly, better known as ‘Mr Tux’, has become one of the most recognisable figures in local running. Not because he’s chasing podiums, or screaming about zone-two training on the internet, but because he’s built something far bigger than that: community.

…Mr Tux has become one of the most recognisable figures in local running.

What started as a bold idea to prove that you don’t need expensive gear to run has evolved into a movement rooted in courage, authenticity and showing up exactly as you are. And yes… somehow, he’s still running a sub-3 marathon at the Cape Town Marathon while dressed for a wedding. 

Rachel Beaton: David, first things first: I’m still not over the fact that I crossed the line at Two Oceans thinking I’d run the race of my life… only to discover you’d already finished and were busy being interviewed.

David Kaly: I’m sorry that I stole your moment!

RB: You did steal my moment. But it’s okay, because you are the moment. So tell me, where did the tuxedo thing even start?

DK: It started about two years ago. At the time, I couldn’t afford expensive running gear or fancy shoes. I thought, “What if I just showed people you can run with whatever you have?” I considered jeans, gowns, all sorts of things. Then I landed on the tuxedo, because it looked like someone was getting married! The whole idea was really about boldness – showing people you can still show up, exactly as you are.

RB: Did you think it would become… all this? Because genuinely, everybody knows you now.

DK: Not at all! I didn’t expect it to become such a big thing. But I think what’s powerful is that at every race, there’s always somebody new, seeing it for the first time. Somebody standing there going, “Wait… what?!” And I love that feeling of surprising people.

RB: Also, I think people massively underestimate you because of the tux. Then, suddenly, you’re casually running faster than them, while dressed like you’re late for a wedding reception.

DK: People definitely underestimate me. They look at the tux and think, “This guy won’t finish.” Even me – the first time I wore it, I was scared myself. It’s heavy, it’s hot, it’s uncomfortable. 

But again, the message is courage and boldness. Just do it anyway.

RB: Okay; but HOW much harder is it actually, to run in a tuxedo?

DK: It definitely affects the running. My 10km PB in normal kit is around 33 minutes, but in the tux it’s slower. The suit gets soaked. At Two Oceans I could feel the weight of the sweat after 10 or 15 kilometres already. It’s very uncomfortable.

RB: That’s genuinely insane. I complain when my shoelaces feel slightly weird.

DK: Ha ha!

RB: So what does the tux represent to you now? Because it feels bigger than just ‘a guy running in a suit’.

DK: For me, it’s about reminding people to be bold and courageous. There’s always a finish line. No matter what situation you’re carrying, no matter how heavy it feels, there’s an end somewhere. That’s really the deeper meaning behind it.

RB: You’ve also become incredibly community-focused. Your name comes up constantly in conversations about running crews and community spaces.

DK: Community is everything for me. Running changed my life completely – I went from having no friends, no real community, not much hope… to suddenly having people, purpose and opportunities. 

That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others feel seen and welcomed too.

RB: You speak a lot about making running spaces feel welcoming.

DK: Yes. Because most people don’t actually need expensive gear or fancy clubs. They need accountability. They need safety. They need people who make them feel like they belong. 

Especially beginners. Running communities should never feel intimidating.

RB: Speaking of beginners… if I was brand new to running and terrified to join a running club, what advice would you give me?

DK: First: be content with where you are. Don’t compare yourself to people who’ve been doing this for years. Second: keep showing up, and stay disciplined. Third: be open to learning and asking questions. 

And lastly, be friendly. Running communities are about people connecting. Don’t just arrive, run and disappear. Speak to people.

RB: You also make content now. And your content does ridiculously well, because it’s authentic. Was that always the plan?

DK: Not really. I started with gym content, years ago. But eventually, I realised the content that connected most was just me being myself – funny, weird, authentic. That’s what people relate to. Brands also want authenticity now. People don’t connect to fake content anymore.

RB: You actually said something during our chat that I think is really important. You said consistency matters more than pretending.

DK: Exactly. I recently had a brand send me a huge script telling me what to say about their product. I told them no. I’m not going to lie to people just because it’s sponsored. People follow me because I’m myself, not because of products.

RB: Okay, final question. What’s the dream race?

DK: LA Marathon is definitely one. I also discovered this snow marathon overseas somewhere – I can’t even remember the name, but it’s freezing and looks incredible. Those are dream races for me.

RB: Running a marathon in a tuxedo in snow feels… deeply concerning.

DK: Haha ha!

Mr Tux’s Top-Tier Running Advice

Be Content.  “Be content with where you’re starting. Don’t compare yourself to somebody who’s been running for years.”

Keep Showing Up. “Discipline matters. Even when you don’t feel motivated, just keep showing up.”

Be Bold. “Boldness will carry you. There’s always a finish line.”

Ask Questions. “Be open to advice. Reach out to people. Running communities are there to help.”

Be Yourself. “Authenticity is something people connect to. Nobody can tell your story the way you can.”

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