SPAR Women’s Challenge Turns 35 with a Sold-Out Celebration in Durban

(The Post News)- This Sunday, Durban will host a landmark edition of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge as the event celebrates its 35th anniversary, honouring decades of women’s empowerment through sport. What began as a local race in 1990 has since evolved into the world’s largest women-only road running series.

Both the 10km challenge and the 5km fun run have reached full capacity, with 12,000 entrants expected to take part. Among them will be South Africa’s top athletes chasing SPAR Grand Prix points, with stops across Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.Reigning Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba returns in top form after a personal-best 5000m time of 15:10.42 in France and a win in Cape Town earlier this year. She’s eyeing a third Grand Prix crown, an honour previously held only by Rene Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl.

Challenging Xaba will be Ethiopia’s Selem Gebre, who finished second in both Cape Town and last year’s series, as well as rising star Karabo Mailula. Other strong contenders include Cacisile Sosibo and the experienced Phalula twins, Diana-Lebo and Lebogang.

Beyond the finish line, this event supports causes close to SPAR’s heart: ending gender-based violence and period poverty. Proceeds go to the Sinethemba Women’s Foundation, which uplifts women in Inanda through skills development and mentorship.

The course remains the same, starting on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and ending at Hollywood Kings Park Stadium, but organisers promise it’s far from dull, with gentle elevation changes to keep things dynamic.