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.
“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.
“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.
