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.
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 upcomingSanlam 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 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.”
