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SPAR Grand Prix Celebrates 18 years as Stakes Rise for 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, PreviewLeave a Comment on SPAR Grand Prix Celebrates 18 years as Stakes Rise for 2026

The SPAR Grand Prix has reached its 18th year, and like a seasoned marathoner hitting her stride, the series continues to quicken the tempo of women’s road running in South Africa.

Staged across five legs of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, the Grand Prix operates as an elite race within a mass participation celebration. Thousands line up at each stop, yet at the sharp end the country’s finest compete for points, pride and a prize purse that has swelled to R1 967 500.

Launched in 2008 to give top-tier South African runners a structured, rewarding annual contest, the series widened its lane in 2019 to include international athletes. The arrival of runners from across Africa has acted like a tailwind, lifting standards and sharpening finishing kicks. Local athletes have responded with faster times and fearless racing.

The overall champion in 2026 will pocket R210 000, with R105 000 for second and R80 000 for third. Age category winners earn R11 000, with R8 000 for runners-up. South Africa’s top five finishers also receive dedicated incentives. The leading South African takes home R110 000, second earns R75 000 and fifth collects R21 000, in addition to their main competition earnings.

Across 18 years, four athletes have won the title three times: Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Tadu Nare of Ethiopia and Glenrose Xaba. Xaba broke new ground as the first South African champion since the series opened to international competition, and the first black South African to claim three titles. She now chases a fourth crown, aiming to carve her name deeper into the record books.

“The SPAR Grand Prix has become very important to me,” said Xaba.
“I am very proud to be the first black South African to win it three times. I like to think that my achievements are an inspiration to young girls living in poverty as I was, who see what I have done and believe they can do the same.”

Beyond the stopwatch, the Grand Prix carries a powerful social stride. SPAR’s campaign to end period poverty and gender-based violence runs alongside the racing calendar.

“As a business rooted in the heart of South African communities, SPAR has a responsibility to stand up for women and girls. Ending period poverty and gender-based violence is about more than intervention – it’s about dignity, safer environments, and equal opportunities.

“Through our community partnerships and sustained investments, we are committed to creating environments where women are supported, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential. This is not just one of those social responsibility programmes for SPAR – it is central to who we are.

“We continue to advocate for dignity and access to essential resources for women and girls. By partnering with organisations on the ground and investing in community driven solutions, we are helping to break down barriers, restore dignity, and create comfortable spaces where women can thrive, and get an opportunity to celebrate themselves. These efforts reflect SPAR’s core values of care, inclusivity, and meaningful community impact.

“The SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and the SPAR Grand Prix are examples of our commitment to improving the lot of women.”

Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, saluted the milestone.

Pictured from left, Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, Glenrose Xaba 2025 SPAR Grand Prix Winner and Mpudi Maubane, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager. Photo credit- Reg Caldecott

“SPAR is one of the longest standing sponsors of athletics in South Africa, and we applaud SPAR for having supported, promoted and empowered hundreds of thousands of women through the SPAR Challenge series, while assisting our elite athletes through the SPAR Grand Prix.

“ASA are aligned with SPAR and their commendable initiative to end GBV and period poverty. The women of South Africa need to be heard, respected and protected,” said Mathane.

Corporate backing remains strong. Hyundai and Coca Cola return as official partners for 2026, with Modern Athlete as media partner. At each race, one entrant over 18 with a valid driver’s licence stands a chance to drive away in an all-new Hyundai EXTER.

“Hyundai is driven by performance, precision and people,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “We excited to continue our partnership with the SPAR National Grand Prix Series. Once again, one lucky attendee at each race stands a chance to drive away in the all-new Hyundai EXTER and this is our way of celebrating South Africans’ energy, on and off the track.”

The 2026 theme, #CelebrateHer, captures the spirit of a series that blends elite competition with community upliftment. Eighteen years in, the SPAR Grand Prix runs with the confidence of experience and the hunger of youth, its footsteps echoing far beyond the finish line.

“I Hope Young Girls Believe they can too” – Glenrose’s R300k triple Spar 10k Glory

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on “I Hope Young Girls Believe they can too” – Glenrose’s R300k triple Spar 10k Glory
Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba’s 2025 season ended with joyous sprint across the finish line of success with a whopping R300 000 payday at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards in Midrand on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old Boxer star, South Africa’s 10km record-holder, made history as the first black South African to win the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix Series three times. She joins an elite league that includes Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.

Her 2025 victory run was a clean sweep: five races, five wins, and a total of R165 000 in race-day prize money, topped up with R200 000 for winning the series and another R100 000 as the top South African finisher.

Glenrose Xaba was crowned the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix champion at SPAR Grand Prix Awards held in Midrand, Johannesburg on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Photo: Greg Caldecott

“I hope young black girls will be inspired by what I have achieved,” said Xaba.

“I think they will see what I have done and believe they can do it too.”

With her next big race set for the Valencia Marathon on December 7, Xaba credited her steady stride to a strong support team.

“I want to thank my coach, Violet Semenya, and my mentor, Caster Semenya, who both believed in me and helped me to develop as an athlete,” she said.

“Last year, I was very happy to be able to help my grandmother with her finances. I’m not sure yet what I’ll do with the money this time.”

Behind Xaba, Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) and Salem Gebre (Nedbank) took silver and bronze in the series, pocketing R100 000 and R75 000 respectively. South Africa’s Karabo Mailula (Tuks) and Karabo More (Boxer) rounded out the top five, claiming R120 000 between them.

In the age-group races, the evergreen Judy Bird remained unbeaten in the 60+ category, while Elizabeth Potter, Janie Grundling, and Chanell Groenwalt led the 50–59, 40–49, and junior divisions respectively. Each category winner earned R10 500, with podium runners also rewarded.

SPAR, Hyundai and ASA celebrate women’s running

SPAR’s National PR, Sponsorship and Communications Manager, Mpudi Maubane, confirmed the supermarket giant’s continued sponsorship of the Grand Prix through 2026.

Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, Glenrose Xaba 2025 SPAR Grand Prix Winner and Mpudi Maubane, SPAR National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager Photo: Reg Caldecott

“SPAR is committed to improving the lives of women,” said Maubane.

“All five races were fully subscribed, and we were able to promote campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty, while giving thousands of women the joy of running together.”

Athletics South Africa Acting President, James Mathane, hailed SPAR’s commitment:

“SPAR have invested more than just financial support. They have invested in dreams, in talent, and in transformation. This series has become a cornerstone of women’s athletics in South Africa.”

Adding horsepower to the celebration, Hyundai gave away a brand-new Exter SUV worth R269 900 at each race.

“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community. It’s the same values we strive to embody,” said Hyundai CEO Stanley Anderson.

“Glenrose Xaba’s performances are a reminder that greatness is earned kilometre by kilometre, through focus and courage.”

The 2026 SPAR Grand Prix calendar will be announced early next year, ensuring that South Africa’s finest women runners will once again line up to chase medals and milestones.

Glenrose seals clean sweep at Spar Grand Prix

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Glenrose seals clean sweep at Spar Grand Prix
By Adnaan Mohamed

Glenrose Xaba once again showed her class when she blazed through the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10 km Challenge winning her fifth consecutive race in the highly popular sold-out event across the country.

Glenrose Xaba winner Jozi SPAR Photo: Greg Caldecott

After winning the Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha legs of the 2025 Spar Grand Prix Series, Glenrose stormed across the finish line at Marks Park Sports Club on Sunday morning in Emmarentia over a toughy hilly course. She blitzed the route in 33:07 to leave her rivals trailing in her wake.

Ethiopian Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) clocked 33:42 for second, while Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) claimed third in 34:35.

The evergreen Van Zyl,38, came out of the blocks like a bullet, setting the early tone before easing off and letting the race settle. That’s when Xaba hit her stride.

She went shoulder-to-shoulder with Abaraya and her compatriot Selam Gebre, until the six-kilometre mark, when she broke free like a sprinter pulling clear on the final bend.

Glenrose Xaba and Irvette van Zyl surrounded by a trio of Ethiopian athletes. Photo: Greg Caldecott

“Irvette got us to a very fast start, and I am grateful for that. Then Selam and Diniya forced the pace until about four kilometres,” said Glenrose.

“From six kilometres, I just focused on my splits and on my own running,” she said.

“I am very happy to be the first South African to win all five SPAR Grand Prix races this year, and to have won the SPAR Grand Prix for the third time.”

Five SPAR victories in one season, three Grand Prix titles overall, was a clear reminder that Glenrose Xaba is setting the benchmark for women’s road running in South Africa.

Abaraya, showing strong form after a year of consistent improvement, admitted the Jozi route was no walk in the park.

“I had a good race today, although I found the hills very challenging,” she said.

Van Zyl, meanwhile, was thrilled to be back in the mix. Her trademark grit shone through even after a shaky buildup.

“I went into the race with no expectations. I felt horrible yesterday and even wondered if I would be able to run. I just wanted to do my best.”

A veteran of the series and a three-time Grand Prix champion herself, Van Zyl credited Xaba for elevating the competition.

“Glenrose has given everyone the belief that they can do better, and I think the international athletes will soon struggle to win the SPAR Grand Prix again,” said Van Zyl.

Further back in the field, Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s ultra marathon marvel, treated the 10km as a tune-up for the upcoming Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, 19 October. Despite experiencing an injury setback that threatened her participation in the race, she still pitched up to finish in 11th position.

“I always look forward to the SPAR Women’s Jozi race,” she said.

“I love the vibe and the experience of running in a women’s only race. I find lining up with thousands of other women inspirational.”

Gerda Steyn at the finish of the Spar Jozi 10k Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

That energy was everywhere with 12,000 women pounding the pavement in the 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run, turning the streets into a celebration of strength and solidarity.

Among those cheering was Deputy Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Peace Mabe, who praised SPAR for championing women’s sport and social causes.

JOHANNESURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 05: during the 2025 SPAR Womens Grand Prix 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Marks Park Sports Club on October 05, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images)

“It’s only through sponsorship that women’s sports will flourish,” she said.

“I would like to congratulate SPAR for their support for women’s road running and netball, but also for their campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.”

Golden Girl Gerda to Test Her Speed at Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge

Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on Golden Girl Gerda to Test Her Speed at Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge
By Adnaan Mohamed

When Gerda Steyn toes the line at the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge on Sunday morning in Johannesburg, it will be the final speed test for South Africa’s golden girl of distance running ahead of her biggest marathon of the year.

The multiple Comrades and Two Oceans champion confirmed she will use the 10km race at Marks Park Sports Club as her last tune-up before the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in two weeks’ time.

For Steyn, renowned for her endurance over gruelling ultra distances, the SPAR race offers the perfect chance to sharpen her speed against the country’s and continent’s best.

“The SPAR race is special because it is women only. I am always in Johannesburg at this time of year and so I always try to run it. The route is lovely, and the spirit is awesome.”

“I love running the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge,” said Steyn.

Her presence adds extra lustre to an event already buzzing with anticipation. While defending champion Glenrose Xaba will chase a clean sweep of five out of five SPAR Grand Prix titles in 2025, much of the spotlight will inevitably fall on Steyn.

The 34-year-old’s ability to bring marathon strength and ultra-marathon grit into the fast-paced world of 10km road racing makes her an irresistible drawcard.

For fans, Steyn’s participation is not just about whether she can crack the podium on Sunday, but about witnessing the careful fine-tuning of an athlete at the peak of her career.

She will be joined by her Hollywood AC teammate and fellow road-running star Irvette van Zyl, a three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion making a return to the series.

With Cape Town looming large, every stride in Johannesburg will be a statement of intent.

Together, they bring both experience and prestige to a sold-out field of 12,000 runners.

The single-lap 10km course through Emmarentia, Greenside, Linden and Parkview, with its steady climbs and long straights, promises to be a fitting stage for Steyn’s final dress rehearsal before the marathon spotlight shifts to the Mother City.

In a field featuring Ethiopian and Kenyan contenders, as well as South African frontrunners like Xaba and Karabo Mailula, the race will be fiercely contested

Yet, for many eyes will be fixed on national icon Steyn using the SPAR challenge not only to test her legs but to inspire thousands of women running alongside her.

Glenrose Chases History in SPAR Women’s Race in Gqeberha

Adnaan MohamedNews, RacingLeave a Comment on Glenrose Chases History in SPAR Women’s Race in Gqeberha

Adnaan Mohamed

Gqeberha is tightening its laces for a record-breaking dash as the sold-out SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge hits the Summerstrand shoreline this Saturday.

All eyes will be on the defending Grand Prix queen Glenrose Xaba, who has already sprinted to three consecutive victories this season and leads the series pack by five points.

The 31-year-old set a spectacular new South African marathon record of 2 hours 22 minutes and 22 seconds on debut at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon last year.

She has continued her brilliant form over the shorter distances in 2025 with victories at the Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane legs Spar Grand Series of 10km races.

Glenrose, affectionately known as Supercharger, is now chasing a place in history, aiming to become the first black women and only the third South African after René Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl to clinch three SPAR Grand Prix crowns.

The gently undulating route in Gqeberha is one of the most scenic of all the SPAR races and fast times can be expected. Glenrose will be going all out for her fourth consecutive victory in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. If she succeeds she willl be rewarded with a whopping R200 000 in prize money.

“I think I can be a role model for black girls,” she says.

“I hope they can see my success and believe they can be successful too.”

But her stride won’t go unchallenged. Ethiopia’s Salem Gebre and Diniya Abaraya, along with rising Tuks flyer Karabo Mailula, are expected to push the pace.

Selam Gebre

Meanwhile, Pietermaritzburg champion Tayla Kavanagh, fresh off a sizzling 31:53 personal best, could be the surprise sprint down the home stretch.

Tayla Kavanaugh

The race, starting and finishing at Pollok Beach, offers one of the flattest, fastest, and most scenic circuits in the series. It’s perfect terrain that sets the stage for fireworks on the stopwatch.

Beyond the finish line, the SPAR Women’s Challenge continues to carry a heavier baton. With every step, the race champions women’s empowerment, health, and the fight against gender-based violence, while also driving SPAR’s bold campaign to end period poverty by 2030.

Diniya Abaraya

This weekend, it won’t just be about chasing fast times it’ll be about running toward a future where every women’s stride carries the power of change.

SPAR Women’s Challenge Back with a Bang

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on SPAR Women’s Challenge Back with a Bang
  • 70 000 runners are expected as the SPAR Women’s Challenge returns to capacity after the Covid restrictions
  • Exciting changes to the prize money structure add new incentives for local athletes

 The SPAR Women’s Challenge series is back with a bang and changes to the rules and prizes in the associated SPAR Grand Prix offer local runners massive new financial incentives.

For the first time since 2019, the SPAR Women’s Challenge races will be open to thousands of women in each of the six cities nationwide.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no races were run in 2020. In 2021, SPAR came to the rescue of the elite runners by hosting six races in a limited format. This was done in accordance with Covid-19 protocols giving the top runners an opportunity to compete and to earn money.

Social runners were able to take part in a SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, running on their own and sharing their experiences online.

In 2022, the six races were spread out over six months, but numbers remained limited, with social runners once again taking part in a Virtual Challenge.

The 2023 SPAR Women’s Challenge will return to its original format and will again be open to thousands of women runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The popular 5km Fun Run is back and will be staged alongside the classic SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge, which incorporates the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix.

Former SPAR Grand Prix winner, Kesa Molotsane, is thrilled that the races are once again open to all.  “The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge was a brilliant idea, but there is nothing quite like a real SPAR Women’s Challenge event,’ she said. ‘It’s so exciting to encounter the different cultures and personalities at these races.  We were very grateful to SPAR that we were able to compete during the pandemic, but I think we all missed the festive atmosphere that always surrounds the SPAR Women’s Challenges.”

Kesa added, “I am looking forward to seeing new, exciting talent that always emerges every year. There may have been runners who couldn’t run in the restricted races but now have the chance to show what they can do.”

SPAR Group’s National Sponsorship and Events Manager, Charlene Subbarayan, is also delighted that the SPAR Women’s Challenges will once again involve thousands of women. “SPAR is all about promoting healthy living and good health means a healthy lifestyle so what better way, than to get everyone out in the open air, training for the SPAR Women’s Challenge series. The SPAR Women’s Challenge offers us a way of thanking our customers by providing them with a day of fun and entertainment, with plenty of spot prizes at all the races,” she said.

“We are so happy that we can once again welcome thousands of women of all ages to our 10km races and 5km Fun Runs. Our target national entry is 70 000 women in 2023,” added Subbarayan.

The President of Athletics South Africa (ASA), James Moloi, said the SPAR Women’s Challenge series is an important part of the South African athletics calendar. “Many women get a taste for running after training to take part in these unique women-only races. The SPAR Grand Prix races also offer the elite runners an opportunity to test themselves and the presence of international athletes, who are drawn to the race by the lucrative prize money. This has spurred our domestic runners to improve their times,” he said.

In the SPAR Grand Prix, there are several exciting developments. In recent years, the dominance of athletes from Ethiopia and Namibia has made it difficult for the South Africans to earn the top prizes. This year, local athletes will win prizes in addition to the overall prize pool. In the 6 races, the first 2 South Africans across the finish line will win R10 000 and R5 000 respectively. They are eligible to collect the overall prizes as well, starting at R30 000 for a win, R25 000 for second place and R21 000 for third.

The prize pool for the overall SPAR Grand Prix has been similarly structured. The winner will receive R200 000, second place R100 000 and the prizes go down to tenth place. This year there will also be a separate ‘competition within a competition’ for South African athletes, with the 5 top local runners taking home a total of R185 000 in addition to the money they win in the overall SPAR Grand Prix. First place will score a handsome R75 000.

The total prize purse across the SPAR Grand Prix is now R1.9 million, 14% up on 2022.

Another important change comes in the number of races to count for the final points table. In previous years, the total points scored by an athlete over the 6 races counted. This, however, placed runners who had to miss 1 or 2 races because of international commitments or injury at a disadvantage. This year, a runner’s four best performances in the SPAR Grand Prix races will count for points. This means that a runner can miss two races and still be competitive.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge series incorporating the SPAR Grand Prix 10km races will be held in Cape Town, Gqeberha, Durban, Mbombela, Tshwane and Johannesburg.

Ends.

2023 SPAR Grand Prix Calendar

Cape Town – Sunday, 23 April 2023 – Green Point Common

Gqeberha – Saturday, 27 May 2023 – Pollok Beach, Summerstrand

Durban – Sunday, 25 June 2023 – Kings Park Stadium

Mbombela – Saturday, 15 July 2023 – Mbombela Stadium

Tshwane – Saturday, 5 August 2023 – SuperSport Park

Joburg – Sunday, 1 October 2023 – Marks Park Sporting Club

Glenrose Xaba, A Standout Performer at the SPAR Grandprix

Roxanne MartinFeaturesLeave a Comment on Glenrose Xaba, A Standout Performer at the SPAR Grandprix

The SPAR Grand Prix has injected life into the women’s elite racing scene in South Africa, with scintillating times being run throughout the series, and one of the South Africans to catch the eye was Glenrose Xaba, who eventually finished third in the 2021 Grand Prix standings. – By Sean Falconer

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Law Firm Lodges Challenge for Spar Virtual

Jason MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Law Firm Lodges Challenge for Spar Virtual

As the entry deadline draws near, BLC Attorneys have placed on record an official challenge to the Eastern Cape corporate world to throw its weight behind the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge on September 4.

The Gqeberha lawyers have a long association with the Women’s Challenge and director Laurika von Alleman said they would again be out in force to support the event, even in its virtual form.

Entries for the run, which will be held in six regions countrywide, have a strict deadline of August 15 and no latecomers will be accepted.

SPAR Eastern Cape are encouraging companies, schools and other organisations to join thousands of runners and walkers on the day.

“With just a few days before entries close, whatever role you play in society, we would love to have you on board,” said SPAR EC promotions and events manager Alan Stapleton.

“Whether it be on your own, with your family and friends, or challenging your staff, sports friends or colleagues, let’s use this opportunity to reunite and reignite that South African passion of togetherness.”

BLC Attorneys have embraced that call and Von Allemann said they challenged others “in the commercial space to also get involved”.

“We have been entering the challenge for at least 15 years, always running as a group and there is no reason why we shouldn’t do it in this virtual format.

“We have 17 participants at this stage and have an internal challenge on the go, but we also encourage other corporates to enter in numbers and to let us know how they do.”

Besides the camaraderie the day creates, Von Allemann said they were also aware of the significant impact the event made to society, with charity organisations benefitting from donations and sanitary pads being made available for schoolgirls around the region.

Stapleton confirmed the difference the run could make after three regional events in Tshwane, Johannesburg and the Lowveld combined last year to donate over 30 000 food parcels to survivors of gender-based violence and people living in challenging circumstances.

“This year we’re going even bigger, collaborating with six SPAR regions to create the country’s biggest virtual challenge to date,” he added.

“Our theme is #LiveLimitless as we plan to inspire women to answer the call to adventure, to aspire to their highest excitement and to live their best, limitless lives. With this theme there is an underlying universal message of coming together, supporting each other to shatter any glass ceilings, facing our fears and redefining our own limits.”

Through the #LiveLimitless theme and initiatives, he said there were several objectives:

“First is to help people less fortunate than ourselves. For every single person that enters, a pack of sanitary pads will be donated to help keep a girl in school. We also want to highlight the many great South Africans who have achieved extraordinary things and lived limitless lives, despite their circumstances, to inspire and uplift others. And we want to encourage all participants to #LiveLimitless, embrace optimism and positive perspectives and fulfil their best potential.”

SPAR Spreads A Little Sunshine

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on SPAR Spreads A Little Sunshine

SPAR Launches South Africa’s Most Beautiful Virtual Challenge!

SPAR is aiming to put some sunshine back in your life during these challenging times with the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge.

2020 has been a strange year, as the world struggles to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. In South Africa, large gatherings have been banned until further notice, resulting in the cancellation of the six city SPAR Women’s Challenge races that make up the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix.

However, despite the cancellation of the ever so popular series, on September 26 2020, women who would normally be taking part in the SPAR Challenges are asked to #BeSunshine by taking part in the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. Supported by the SPAR Inland region, women from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State, North West and Northern Cape will be able to enter South Africa’s most beautiful SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge with limited entries available for interested women in Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal.

Bringing the Sunshine Back

Women of all ages can run or walk any distance between 5km and 10km between six in the morning and six in the evening, and then post about their experiences on any platform, using the hashtags #BeSunshine or #SPARVirtualChallenge.

“2020 was meant to be a year of celebration, as we marked 30 years of our involvement in women’s road running,” said SPAR Group Marketing Executive Mike Prentice, adding, “We know that thousands of women look forward to taking part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge races and their associated Fun Runs each year, and so we have decided to run a virtual challenge to give women something to look forward to and a motive to exercise.”

Taking on World Records!

Mike wants to go big, “We also want to try to set a Guinness world record for the biggest women’s virtual challenge. Our target is 30 000 entries,” while also highlighting an important cause he adds, “We will also be giving hope and assisting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) at the same time. GBV is a scourge in South African society and appears to have worsened during the national lockdown. We at SPAR want to do something to help the survivors, and all the money received from entry fees will be used to help them.”

Race Ambassador Philicity Reeken (Jacaranda FM presenter, actress and GBV survivor) applauded SPAR in their strong stance against gender-based violence. “I’m so happy to see SPAR turn a spotlight on the scourge of GBV in this country and use their platform to support women.”

This Challenge is for Everyone 

Entry to the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is R50, and for every entry, SPAR will donate a food parcel to a GBV survivor. Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels will coordinate the distribution of the food parcels. Each entrant will also receive a limited-edition race t-shirt, a lightweight buff, and a race magazine.

Ambassadors Lend Their Support

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge
Ready for South Africa’s Most Beautiful Virtual Challenge, the 2020 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge are pictured from left: 2017 SPAR Grand Prix winner, Kesa Molotsane; South African Netball Captain, Bongi Msomi and Olympian athlete, Rene Kalmer. The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge will take place in September this year. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott

There will be thirty ambassadors invited to promote the message and goodwill of the challenge. One of these is Rene Kalmer, who has been running in the SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km races for more than half her life and is also the first to win three SPAR Grand Prix titles. “I love the Sunshine theme,” says Rene.

“The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge colour yellow symbolises happiness, optimism, and positivity. These have been dark days and we all need a little sunshine. It is also time for the athletes to give back to SPAR, who have supported us for the past 30 years. My fellow athletes and I will give the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge our full support,” says Rene, adding,  “I am pregnant and will be well into my pregnancy by September 26, so I will be shuffling rather than running, but you can bet my family and I will be taking part and spreading some sunshine.”

Captain of the SPAR Proteas netball team, Bongi Msomi, is another ambassador, “I have taken part in SPAR Women’s Challenge series for the vibe and the party feeling, so I am excited to be an ambassador for the virtual challenge,” says Bongi, adding, “GBV is a serious problem in South Africa and it is time we send messages to everyone, not just men, that it is not acceptable. I am happy to help survivors of GBV.” Bongi said the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge would send a positive message at a time when people needed some sunshine in their lives.

How Do I Enter?

It’s simple, click on this link, www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za which will take you to the 2020 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge website where you can enter!

Cape Town leg of SPAR Women’s Challenge Series Cancelled

Roxanne MartinNewsLeave a Comment on Cape Town leg of SPAR Women’s Challenge Series Cancelled

SPAR Western Cape has taken the difficult decision to cancel the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Cape Town, one of six road races in the SPAR Grand Prix series, run throughout the country. The race was to be held on Sunday, 5 April in Green Point.

The announcement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent address to the nation in which he laid out drastic measures to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. These include the prohibition of gatherings of more than 100 people, and an embargo placed on large events.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel the event for this year,” commented Elsabe van Zyl – Felix, advertising manager for SPAR Western Cape. “The race has a loyal following and we are mindful of how disappointed the women who have entered will be.

“However, we fully embrace the bold initiatives of Government and all their healthcare partners, who are doing everything in their power to overcome the global threat of this virus.”

Race entry cut off was scheduled for Sunday, 22 March. SPAR has taken the decision to refund the R120 entry fee to all entrants. The race organisers have requested patience in this regard, as they prepare all the reconciliation and administrative needs. They further confirm that entrants will receive official correspondence from the Race Office regarding refunding details and the process thereof. No refunds will be made via any SPAR store, please refer refund queries to: [email protected].

The sponsors have also committed to honour the race beneficiaries, and an amount of R100 000 each will be donated to Operation Smile SA and the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children.

“This is a time for all of us to pull together and beat this deadly virus. We need to stay positive and be sensible if we are to flatten the curve.” Van Zyl – Felix said that she would like to thank Western Province Athletics for all their hard work to date. As well as media partners, Heart FM and Die Burger, and all other stakeholders.

Update on the SPAR Grand Prix series

The Port Elizabeth race, which would have been run on Saturday, 28 March has been postponed. The organisers have reserved Saturday October 17, 2020 as a revised date for the race.

SPAR Group Marketing Executive, Mike Prentice, said the sponsors of the Challenge were disappointed but needed to act in the best interests of all South Africans.

“We live in uncertain times,” said Prentice.

“We have to act in accordance with the Government’s directives, and with the best interests of all South Africans in mind.  Our chief concern is the health and safety of everyone.

“We will review the situation in six weeks and make any further announcement then, when we will also announce a decision on the Durban SPAR Women’s Challenge, which is scheduled for the end of June.”

The SPAR Women’s Challenge Series is run annually in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg, with top runners earning points towards the SPAR Grand Prix. Despite the cancellation of the Cape Town event, the SPAR Grand Prix will continue but will be calculated over five instead of six races.

The Tshwane and Maritzburg races are scheduled for August and the Joburg SPAR Women’s Challenge for October 5.