By Adnaan Mohamed
JOHANNESBURG – “Something must be done about the horrific levels of gender-based violence in South Africa.”
Gerda Steyn’s powerful words set the tone for the final SPAR Women’s Grand Prix race in Johannesburg on Sunday, where thousands of women turned the City of Gold into a moving sea of solidarity before Glenrose “Supercharger” Xaba powered her way into the history books.
Steyn led a moment of silence before the race to honour victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while the elite athletes wore black armbands in solidarity with women living under the shadow of violence.
“Women should be able to go about their daily lives without fear, and if they want to run, they should be free to do so without wondering whether they will get home safely,” said Steyn.
The message carried extra weight on a morning when about 15 000 women took to the streets for the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge.
Then came the moment that mattered more than the stopwatch.
Xaba had already etched her name into SPAR Grand Prix history when she stormed across the Marks Park finish line in 32:26 to win the fifth and final race of the series and secure an unprecedented fourth Grand Prix title.
Seconds later, the 29-year-old Boxer athlete found her 89-year-old grandmother, Elizabeth Xaba, and wrapped her in an emotional embrace.
It was the first time Elizabeth had watched her granddaughter race live.
The stopwatch recorded 32:26. The embrace recorded something far more personal.
“My grandma is a special lady to me. She’s very close to my heart and I’m so happy that she’s there to witness the thing that I’m doing,” Xaba said.
“She taught me very well and she always believes in me and always motivates me all the time. If I’m feeling down, she’s always there for me.
“I can say that I love her so much and she loves me too. And I’m glad that she’s there today.”
Xaba’s victory completed a remarkable season in which her trademark acceleration once again turned the final kilometres into a launching pad.
Her Boxer teammate Karabo More followed her home in 33:36 for second place, with Selam Gebre of Nedbank third in 33:52. Esther Borura finished fourth in 34:25, followed by Irvette van Zyl in 34:42.
More, who has repeatedly shown her resilience throughout the series, said she was proud of another podium finish after a demanding week.
“I’m really proud of myself. It was a very challenging week. I think I had to push from start to finish,” she said. “It’s all about your mental state. If it’s very strong, you can fight. By God’s grace, I was able to get another podium finish.”
Karabo Mailula was sixth in 35:14, Steyn seventh in 35:23, Kyla Jacobs eighth in 35:25, Emma Browne ninth in 35:31 and Dirbe Dagne 10th in 35:51.
On a morning when running became a platform for solidarity, Xaba supplied the history and her grandmother supplied the heart.
The final image was fitting: a champion who had spent 10km chasing the clock finally stopped to embrace the person who had helped her believe she could outrun it.
CHECK YOUR RESULTS OF JOZI SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE PART OF THE SPAR GRAND PRIX HERE
OPEN: 1. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 32:26; 2. Karabo More (Boxer) 33:36; 3. Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 33:52; Esther Borura (Super Eagles) 34:25; 5. Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood AC) 34:42; 6. Karabo Mailula (Boxer) 35:14; 7. Gerda Steyn (Hollywood AC) 35:23; 8. Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) 35:25; 9. Emma Browne (Peak RC) 35:31; 10. Dirbe Dagne (Nedbank) 35:51
JUNIOR 1. Dirbe Dagne (Nedbank) 35:51; 2. Mpho Katiso (TUT) 38:03; 3. Megan Waller (Nedbank) 39:19
40-49 1. Este van Tonder (Nedbank) 38:53; 2. Makhosi Mahlongo (Hollywood AC) 39:45; 3. Tebogo Mokgosinyane (Nedbank) 40:44
40-59 1. Charne Bosman (Tuks) 41;30; 2. Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) 42:16; 3. Janene Carey (Boxer) 43:23
60-69 1. Judy Bird (Boxer) 44:08; 2. Dalene Sonnekus (Nedbank) 46:54; 3. Elmarie Pretorius (RWFL) 49:28
70+ 1. Frances van Blerk (Nedbank) 57.42; Claudette McLean (Mercury) 1:10:18; Serene Netshiaulu (RAC) 31:11:38