Just over a year ago, Glenrose Xaba confidently said that she was working towards beating the long-standing women’s SA Record for 10km, and this July, she lived up to that promise. Now she is looking to go still faster. – By Tathe Msimango with Sean Falconer
Every athlete dreams of going to the Olympics, because it is the pinnacle of the sport, and in 2024, that dream has become a reality for SA’s 400m specialist Miranda Coetzee, but she tells us she had some nervous moments before being sure she could start packing her bags. – By Manfred Seidler
Not so long ago, a friend said to me that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices, but today I’d like to tell you that this just is not true! – By Carla Farina
New records were the order of the day at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in early July, including Glenrose Xaba breaking the women’s SA Record, and the race had its biggest field yet, in what turned out to be a record-breaking day from start to finish. – BY Sean Falconer with Jacky McClean
With her record-breaking victory in the 2024 Comrades Marathon, Gerda Steyn added yet another accolade to her already glittering running career, and further cemented her status in many people’s minds as the greatest female ultra-athlete produced by South Africa to date. We caught up with her for an in-depth chat about her big win, the upcoming Olympic Marathon in Paris, and other aspects of her running. – By Sean Falconer
You may not have heard about 18-year-old sprinter Bayanda Walaza yet, but if his rapid rise to fame in 2024 is anything to go by, including qualifying for the Paris Olympics, his may soon be a household name in SA. – By Sean Falconer
Ryan Sandes is rightfully considered a legend of SA ultra-distance trail running, and now he’s thinking of tackling even longer distances in the near future, but first he has unfinished business in France. – By Sean Falconer
After shift his focus from running marathons and ultras down to 10km, Bongelani Mkhwanazi has become one of the country’s fastest and most consistent performers. – By Tathe Msimango with Sean Falconer
Johannesburg, Gauteng , South Africa: Calling all women of Jozi! SPAR is proud to announce the launch of the iconic SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi, returning to paint the streets of Johannesburg peach on 06 October 2024. This launch event marks the kick-off of the year’s #ChooseYou campaign, celebrating female empowerment and inclusivity in sports.
“SPAR recognises the transformative power of sport to inspire and empower women,” says Mpudi Maubane, SPAR PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager. “We believe in creating opportunities for women to participate in physical activity, challenge themselves, and achieve their goals. Our involvement in women’s road running, including the SPAR Grand Prix Series, perfectly aligns with our sponsorship pillars: Nutrition, Education, and Women Empowerment. It celebrates women’s health, fitness, and community spirit.”
This year’s theme, #ChooseYou, embodies the essence of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of what makes every woman unique. Whether you’re a seasoned runner striving for a personal best or a first-timer seeking a fun day out with friends, the SPAR Women’s Challenge welcomes you with open arms.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this annual tradition! Entries are capped at 12,000, so secure your spot online starting today, 04 July. In-store registration opens on 05 August. The entry fee of R160 includes a race T-shirt, foam peak, entry into the event, and a copy of My Jozi Challenge Magazine. Aspiring 10km runners should note an additional R60 license fee (unless you’re part of a running club).
The launch event featured a captivating panel discussion with renowned athletes, including Olympic athletes Cian Oldknow and Rutendo Nyahora, previous Olympian Rene Kalmer, and Paralympic Gold Medalist Louzanne Coetzee. These inspiring women shared their journeys and insights, motivating aspiring runners to chase their dreams and embrace the #ChooseYou spirit.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi goes beyond the finish line. Every stride you take raises awareness and funds for incredible causes. This year, proceeds will benefit Headstart Kids, the Smile Foundation, and Reach for Recovery – all perfectly aligned with SPAR’s commitment to education, nutrition, and women’s empowerment.
This year marks a remarkable milestone: the 33rd edition of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi! It’s not just a celebration of female participation in sports; it’s a chance to run alongside inspiring women, create lasting memories, and foster a supportive community.
Register today!
SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi
It should have been a triumphant celebration of a job well done – but instead, Comrades Marathon Race & Operations Manager Ann Ashworth has left the organisation, alleging that a smear campaign was mounted against her. We chat to Ann, and get her story about what happened “behind closed doors.” Watch the full video below.
In a social media post, she wrote: “My time at the CMA has come to an end. The Board feels that I lack the necessary leadership and race management abilities to continue to serve as the Race & Operations Manager.” In the comments on the post, responding to a question about what went on behind closed doors, she added “… my job was promised to someone else months ago. That person will resume the position after actively sabotaging me in the office and in the media.”
The Comrades Association later issued a statement confirming that Ann would no longer be in the position: “The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) regrets to announce the departure of Ann Ashworth from her role as the Comrades Marathon Race & Operations Manager with immediate effect. We wish to thank her for her contribution to a highly successful race.”
The CMA also addressed what’s come to be known as “Vanillagate” (after a board member put out a public call for more people to register as members of the association so it was no longer “all vanilla”. In its statement, association chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo was quoted as saying that the “so-called ‘Vanillagate’ saga has no bearing on (Ann’s) departure”.
Elsewhere in the statement the CMA quoted its Constitution, stating that the board is not able to remove a member. But legendary coach Norrie Williamson, in a social media post, contradicted this, saying the constitution allows any board member to be suspended and given a hearing to answer to charges, including those of bringing the CMA into disrepute or acting against its interests.
This is the latest in a series of pressure points for the Comrades. Last year’s cut-off debacle angered many. But, by all accounts from runners and the community at large, Ann did a good job and ushered in a lot of positive changes this year. Was it perfect? No – but no race is.
So where to from here? Our advice is to get as many runners as possible to join the CMA. This is the only possible way to have a say in the future of the race, including the selection of board members.
CMA Membership is open to individuals 18 years and older who are either active runners, active volunteers, or retired/longstanding runners/volunteers, who subscribe to the objectives of CMA and wish to participate in its activities in compliance with the CMA Constitution, vision and values.
To be eligible to vote at the 2024 AGM your membership application and membership fee of R100 must be received by no later than 30 June 2024.