By Adnaan Mohamed
JOHANNESBURG – Four titles, R320 000 in prize money and a legacy that continues to inspire. Glenrose Xaba has reached another remarkable milestone in South African road running, becoming the first athlete to win the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix four times.
Glenrose Xaba’s name is now firmly etched in the history of South African women’s road running.
The Boxer Athletics Club star enjoyed a memorable payday at Tuesday’s SPAR Grand Prix Awards ceremony at The Venue Nine Yards in Parktown, Johannesburg, after completing a record-breaking 2026 campaign.
Xaba collected R210 000 for winning the overall competition and another R110 000 for finishing as the leading South African, taking her total prize money to an impressive R320 000.
She accumulated 119 points across the five-race series, finishing ahead of Ethiopian Selam Gebre of Nedbank, who secured second place with 114 points and R105 000 in prize money.
Xaba’s teammate Karabo More finished third on 111 points, earning R80 000, together with R75 000 for being the second-placed South African.
The achievement places Xaba in a league of her own. She first won the SPAR Grand Prix in 2017, before repeating the success in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian Tadu Nare have each won the competition three times.
For Xaba, however, the latest title carries special significance because of the example it sets for young athletes aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
“I want to inspire young runners. I want them to think, if Glenrose can do it, so can I,” she said.
She paid tribute to her coach and mentor, Violet, Caster Semenya and her grandmother, who was present at the Johannesburg race to witness her granddaughter make history.
A season of exciting competition
The 2026 series, which celebrated its 19th anniversary, delivered plenty of memorable racing and an exciting contest between Xaba and Hollywood Athletics Club’s Tayla Kavanagh.
One of the standout moments came in Cape Town in March, when Kavanagh produced a perfectly timed finishing burst over the final 500m to pip Xaba to victory.
The result added a new dimension to the series and demonstrated the competitive depth of the women’s field.
Their battles in Tshwane and Gqeberha had already produced exciting racing, with Kavanagh consistently challenging Xaba’s pace and determination.
The Cape Town finish generated plenty of discussion, with both athletes displaying the emotion and competitive spirit that make athletics such a compelling sport.
Former Grand Prix champion Van Zyl, who finished eighth overall this year, praised Xaba’s contribution to the development of women’s road running.
“We are all doing better because of Glenrose,” she said.
“Standards are higher and there is greater competition.”
Boxer dominates club competition
Boxer Athletics Club also enjoyed an outstanding series, winning the club competition with 872 points. Nedbank finished second with 337 points, followed by Hollywood with 253.
Boxer Athletics Club manager Rhyn Swanepoel (left) with club athlete and 2026 SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba at the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix Awards, held at The Venue, Nine Yards, in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. Boxer Athletics Club received the Club of the Year award. Photo Credits: Reg Caldecott
The age-category winners were Mpho Katiso (junior), Este van Tonder (40-49), Elizabeth Potter (50-59) and Judy Bird (60-plus).
Bird produced another exceptional campaign, collecting 40 points and earning bonus points at every race. Each age-category winner received R11 000.
More than running
The SPAR Grand Prix continues to play an important role in promoting women’s participation in athletics while using its national platform to highlight issues affecting women and girls.
Across five cities, the series has supported campaigns against gender-based violence and period poverty.
SPAR Group Head of PR, Sponsorship and Communications Mpudi Maubane confirmed that the company would continue sponsoring the awards next year, with preparations for the 2027 series already underway.
“Today, we celebrate history. We celebrate excellence. We celebrate her,” Maubane said.
She emphasised that empowering women extended beyond sporting achievements.
“Our ambition is not simply to see women cross finish lines, but to help create a society where every woman and girl can pursue her dreams without fear, barriers and limitations.”
Newly elected Athletics South Africa Acting President Jean Verster also acknowledged SPAR’s longstanding contribution to women’s running.
“To SPAR, thank you for 36 years of believing in women, investing in their potential and providing a platform where their achievements can be celebrated.”
There was further excitement for participants, with five lucky entrants, one at each race, winning Hyundai EXTER vehicles valued at R269 900 each. Hyundai has supported the series for three years.
As the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix draws to a close, Xaba’s achievement provides another powerful reminder of what dedication, discipline and perseverance can accomplish.
Four titles, a record payday and an inspiring message to the next generation.
For South African women’s road running, Glenrose Xaba continues to set the pace.