Dates Announced for Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Sunday 23 June

Entries are open for the 34th running of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place in and around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 23 June. 

The success of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Road Race strides ahead, with entries for 2024 capped at 12000. The uplifting theme for this year’s race is #ChooseYou with the underlying message of motivating oneself, encouraging women to prioritize self-care, both for their mental and physical well-being. 

Sharing moments: Revealing the colour and theme for the 2024 Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Durban on Sunday 23 June. The theme, #ChooseYou encourages self-empowerment. Wearing this year’s race shirts at an intimate function at the Grand Exotic are SPAR KZN Retail Ops Advisor, Cindy Watridge with 2024 Race Ambassadors Former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, Dr Marise Subrayan.

"Our theme “Choose You” amplifies our commitment to inspire a healthier community,” says Menelisi Luthuli, Marketing Executive, SPAR KZN. “In a world where external pressures often overshadow personal well-being, we encourage women to embark on a journey of self-care and self-discovery. SPAR advocates a balanced lifestyle where individuals prioritize their own needs alongside external demands, finding fulfillment in both. Ultimately, our theme this year emphasizes that self-care isn't selfish but rather crucial for lasting well-being and happiness.”

Two phenomenal strong local women are the 2024 Race Ambassadors. Inspiring youth wherever she goes, sporting star and role model Precious Mthembu is the current Baby Proteas Coach, she is an educator at Danville Park Girls’ High School and was a Protea Netball player, notching up 97 caps for South Africa. Joining her is Dr Marise Subrayan, an award-winning Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist based at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital, who is passionate about educating and empowering women and girls about female-related health.

The Challenge route remains unchanged from the 2023 event, with the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark. The 10km race begins at 8am and the 5km race at 9am. 

Entries for the 2024 edition of the Durban event are online at https://www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban/. Online entries close at midnight on 16 June. The online entry for the 10km run is R180, with a KZN Athletics licence, or R230 with a temporary licence, and for the 5km is R180. Entries at race registration are R200 (with licence) and R250 (without licence) for the 10km and R200 for the 5km. Bulk entry collections are also available.

At this Durban Challenge, a field of highly competitive runners will compete in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series that travels around South Africa. The total Series Prize Purse is sitting at over R1,68 million this year.

Prize money for the first female athlete crossing the line in Durban is R33,000 with the runner-up earning R25,000 and third place winning R20,000. The first South African woman across the line will also earn R10,000. There are also prizes for top age category runners.

A variety of lucky draw prizes will be awarded at prize giving, including a chance to win a car. All participants (18 plus and T&C’s apply) can enter the lucky draw where one race number will advance to the main draw for a Proton X50 valued at R449,000. Seven ladies from the seven races around the country must attend the glitzy SPAR Grand Prix prize-giving to qualify to win this car.

For more information visit the race website, like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

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Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km, Sunday 18 August

Media Release 

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km,  Sunday 18 August

Claiming the title of the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km, this year’s queen of the SPAR Grand Prix, Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) took the top honours in a course record breaking time of 32.23.

In a full field of 4,500 runners - this is the fifth time this year Johannes has won the SPAR race, with records tumbling along the way, dominating this year’s Grand Prix series. The 39 year old Namibian star has improved her race every time her feet have hit the South African tarmac. 

Going into the race, Johannes had the murmurings of a headache but as she got into her stride, her headache started to subside, and she put her head down and charged through the course. 

Johannes was pushed by Ethiopian runner, Tadu Nare (Nedbank) for the majority of the race, cruising through the half way with only a second separating the two. Johannes started opening the gap just after the 7km mark as she powered up the hills, pulling apart from the rest of the field. 

For the fifth time, Nare finished in her familiar second place position, in an impressive time of 33.06. The quiet spoken Nare stated at the press conference, “The weather was superb but the route was extremely hilly.”

Finishing third, South African Glenrose Xaba came in at 33.41. Midway through the race, Xaba was just off the leading ladies, and only 17 seconds behind the Namibian. 

Back on the road after her operation for her Illiac Artery shortly after the Durban race, the defending champion, Irvette van Zyl finished in seventh with the clock on 34.21, five seconds faster than her winning time from 2018. Van Zyl said she wasn’t 100% fit but was happy with her recovery. 

Kicking off her phenomenal year, Johannes - the Commonwealth Games Marathon champion set a Namibian record in Port Elizabeth SPAR race with a time of 31.50. Later that month she cruised to victory in the Cape Town SPAR race beating her recent record by five seconds. Continuing her Grand Prix quest, the determined runner ignited the Durban track in June, with a crushing time of 30.58, smashing the record set by Colleen de Reuck, of 31.18 run in 2000. In her fourth successive win, the leading lady ran an impressive time at altitude, crossing the Tshwane SPAR Challenge finish line in a time of 32.29.

In September, she is running the marathon at the IAAF World Championships in Doha and smiled when asked if she was running Johannesburg. Crunching the numbers for the final SPAR Grand Prix race in Johannesburg on Sunday 6 October, Johannes needs to finish in the top 15 to win the overall Grand Prix that boasts an overall prize purse of R185,000 for the six runs. 

Results

1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank)  32:24, 2 Tadu Nare (Nedbank) 33:07, 3 Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 33.41, 4 Kesa Molotsane (Murray and Roberts) 33:56, 5 Fortunate Chidzivo (Retail Africa Langa) 34:03, 6 Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) 34:19,  7 Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) 34:21, 8 Jenet Mbhele (Umzimkulu Striders) 34:23, 9 Betha Chikanga (Maxed) 34:28, 10  Caroline Mhandu (Maxed) 35:00

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Namibian Helalia Johannes wins SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in fastest time ever recorded in Africa.

SPAR Women’s 10km/ 5km Challenge

Durban, 23 June 2019

NAMIBIAN Helalia Johannes (Nedbank International) ran an incredible race in Durban on Sunday 23 June to win the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 30 minutes 59 seconds (30:59), the fastest time over this distance ever recorded in Africa.

In doing so she also smashed the Namibian record for the third time in a matter of two months leaving junior international runner, 19-year-old Tadu Teshame (Ethiopia, Nedbank International), over one-and-a-half minutes (01:37) in her wake in 32:36 with former winner Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) in third place a further 21 seconds adrift in 32:57.

Johannes added the Durban Challenge to the first two in the series of six races making up the SPAR Grand Prix, those in Port Elizabeth (May 4) and Cape Town (May 29), smashing the course records for these and also for the Durban Challenge course record of 31:38 that was set in 2000 by Colleen de Reuk.

The 38-year-old Johannes did not take long to assert her domination over the field of 14 751 runners after the start in front of the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue taking the Ethiopian junior Teshame and Van Zyl with her but gradually leaving them behind as she continued to dominate the race going through the opening first kilometre in 3min 05sec.

By the 3km mark Teshame and Van Zyl no longer posed her a problem as she swept along the Snell Parade alongside the Durban beachfront and headed south towards the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium racing through the halfway mark (5km) in 15:26.

Johannes appeared to be enjoying her entourage of motorcyclists from the Steelwings Club on their Harley Davidsons ensuring her a safe passage throughout the 30th anniversary of the race which was the first one of the SPAR races to be held in 1989 and which carried a prize purse this year of R30 000 to commemorate it.

Johannes said afterwards that she had revelled in the perfect conditions that prevailed over the fast, flat 10km course and that she was happy to have done a personal best time.

She said she was sure more records would follow, but that she did not have any set plans for the immediate future. “We’ll  just have to wait and see where and when I will be running again. I have been improving my times steadily.”

Runner-up Teshame said: “We all knew Helalia would go out front and set a fast place and so I was prepared for it but it was impossible for anyone running yesterday to beat her.”

Van Zyl said: “She (Johannes) has raised the standard of women’s middle distance racing in a matter of a few weeks. It will be interesting to see what happens with the last three SPAR Grand Prix races being held at altitude, in Pretoria (August 3), Pietermaritzurg (August 18) and Johannesburg (October 6).

“Whatever, with bonus points offered for getting times better than last year’s winner’s time, elite runners will not want to miss any of these races if they are to be in the running for the Grand Prix overall winner’s purse of R185 000 with the runner-up receiving R65 000 and the third placed runner R40 000.

A whooping R30,000 was raised for the race charity, Cancer Association with a cheque being presented at prize giving.

Results

Open:

1.    1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) 30.59; 2. Tadu Nare (Nedbank) 32.36; 3. Irvette Van Zyl (Nedbank) 32.57; 4. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 33.22; 5. Janet Mbhele (Umzimkhulu Striders) 33.30; 6. Caroline Mhandu (Maxed Elite) 33:46 7. Kesa Molotsane (Myrray&Roberts) 33.49; 8. Betha Chikanga (Maxed) 34.04; 9. Oliva Chitate (Maxed) 34.21; 10. Patience Murowe (Umzimkhulu Striders) 34.27

Junior

1.   1.Nare Tadu (Nedbank) 32:36; 2. Tayla Kavanagh (Hillcrest Villagers Athletics club) 36:23; 3. Dipulo Mashishi (Murray & Roberts) 38:05

20-39

1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank Namibia) 30.59; 2.Diana Lebo Phalula (Boxer) 34:59; 3. Makhosi Mhlongo (Hollywood bets Running Club) 35:15

40-49

1.   1. Bulelwa Semai (Boxer) 38:36; 2. Elizabeth Dlhiwayo (Run walk for life Rustenburg) 38:38; 3. Janene Carey (Boxer KZN) 40:22

50-59

1.   1.Judy Bird (Murry & Roberts) 41:10; 2. Michelle Sims (PDAC) 25:28; 3 Maya Lawire (Boxer) 41:26

60-69

1.Olga Howard (Nedbank) 44:54; 2. Blanche Moila (Savages) 48:14; 3. Colleen Peens (Team Vitality) 49:31

1.  

70+

1.Jackie Davis (Savages) 55:55; 2 Gillian Tregenna (Wings Athletics) 01:01:48; 3 Getrude Lottering (Boxer) 01:16:42

Johannesburg’s Tebogo Masehla wins Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km

Johannesburg’s Tebogo Masehla took top honours today (Sunday, August 23) at the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km in a confident win with a time of 36.10 chased by a determined and feisty Makhosi Mhlongo to the finish line with 10 seconds separating them.

Early on in the race the two established a comfortable lead ahead of the field, and by half way were jostling for dominance. Going through the 5km mark Masehla was one second ahead with Mhlongo in her slipstream. A relaxed and focused Masehla loped to the finish only after nudging ahead of Mhlongo as she entered the stadium.  As she entered the finishing chute the victorious runner did not waste time looking back, and hopped joyfully as she broke the tape.

This is the second Maritzburg SPAR race that the upcountry athlete Masehla has run, her first in 2010 where she came second to the dynamite package of Poppy Mlambo in 37.37. Currently on the SPAR Grand Prix log, a delighted Masehla was pleased with her race. “It was a tough run, but I really enjoyed it. The hilly route did play with my mind a bit, especially as I was running neck and neck with Makhosi. I know that I would not have done so well if I did not have her to push me.”

The diminutive Mhlongo from Hammarsdale, KZN agreed that it was a tough but good race, largely due to the pressure from Masehla  “I was really feeling so strong, and I was desperate to pull away from Tebogo, but she just would not give me the gap; she just resisted. I loved that I was able to use this as an incentive to push myself. I also appreciated the fantastic support from the spectators along the route.”

Masehla’s last race was the Totalsports Women’s Race on August 9 in Johannesburg where she came second in a time of 36.34 behind Lebogang Phalula. Next up for is the Mandela 21 km and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon at the end of September .

Rounding off the top three was Muden runner, Lindokuhle Gabela after almost a three minute gap in 39.17. All of the podium finishers had competed in the KZN Cross Country Championships yesterday (Saturday, August 22).

The cool, overcast weather made for comfortable race conditions for the record field of 4000 participants.

“Once again Maritzburg did us proud,” says Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN. “We have had great reports back from the participants that the support on the road was fantastic as they encouraged people along the way. It is this kind of camaraderie that makes the Maritzburg race such an inviting and special event.”

Results:

Open

1 Tebogo Masehla 36,10, 2 Makhosi Mhlongo 36.20, 3 Lindokuhle Gabela 39.17, 4. Nomcebo Mthethwa 39.22, 5 Nobuhle Shange 39.46, 6 Janene Carey 40.06, 7 Thobile Mkhize 40.24,  8 Shani Silver 40.30, 9 Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41.26, 10 Jeannie Bomford Dreyer 41.37 

15 -19

1 Nobuhle Shange 39.46, 2 Thobile Mkhize 40.24, 3 Momusa Xaba 42.20

35-39

1 Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41.26, 2 Precious Duma 42.49, 3 Rhonwyn Brayley 49.24

40-49

1 Janene Carey 40.06, 2 Shani Silver 40.30, 3 Sibongile Ziqubu 44.20

50-59

1 Xolisile Mwelase46.51, 2 Philisiwe Khuzwayo 49.53, 3 Jenny Taylor 49.56

60 plus

1 Sandy Fismer 48.46 2 Judith Grove 50.27, 3 Jane Dickinson 51.10

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 PHOTOS BY ROGAN WARD

Road Closures for the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race - Sunday, August 23

Road Closures for the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race

4,000 athletes will take to the roads around the Alexandra Park precinct for the annual SPAR Women’s 10/km Race on 23 August, which means a number of roads will be closed in the morning.

The roads will gradually start being cordoned off from 04.00am with traffic being diverted away from the route. All roads will be free flowing by 11.00am. Access to the Park from Alan Paton (Durban Road) will be unobstructed for the duration of the event, except for a short period to start the runners off between 07:30am and 08:30am.

There will be one start for both the 10km and 5km races, with the start time scheduled for 08.00am. The course is an ‘out and back’ starting and finishing in Alexandra Park, the finish is at The Oval Cricket Stadium. The cut-off time for the 10km race is 2hrs30min and for the 5km race the runners will have 2hrs to complete the event. There is a cut-off at 09:15 at the Park Drive entrance to the Mayor’s Garden for the 10km runners.

Roads that will be affected by the race are:

Balmoral  – closed from 04:00 – 11:00

Princess Margaret  – closed from 04:00 – 11: 00

Park Drive between Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth  - closed from 04:00 – 11:00

Princess Elizabeth    - closed from 04:00 – 11:00

Park Drive from College Road to Princess Elizabeth  - closed from 07:30 – 11:00

Alexandra Road from Cross Road to Alan Paton Ave    - closed (inbound only) from 07:30 – 10:00

Alan Paton Avenue from Alexandra Road to Burger Street   - closed (inbound only) from 07:30 – 08:30

Alexandra Road will be closed in both directions from 08:00 until approximately 08:45 to accommodate the large field.

Entries are limited to 4,000 and the 10km race is open to entrants 14 years and older and the 5km 9 years and older. Entry fees are R85 for the 10km licensed athletes and for the 5km runners. R95 is the entry fee for the non-licensed athletes; the extra R10 includes a temporary licence for the day. Entries will still be accepted at The Oval Cricket Stadium (Subject to the 4000 limit not having been reached).

Entrants who have already entered online can collect their race bibs, T-Shirts and promo bags from the Oval Cricket Stadium, Alexandra Park on Friday, 21 August from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday, 22 August from 10:00 to 15:00. Manual entries can still be done at the same time, for those who have not registered online. No packs will be given out on race day. All finishers will receive a free breakfast pack on the day.Payment options at Registration include cash, credit card and debit card. NO CHEQUES

This great value event includes t-shirts and goodie bags to all female entrants and breakfast for all finishers as well as over R43,000 in lucky draw prizes.

 For more info contact the race organisers on maritzburg@sparwomensrace.co.za or visit the official race website www.sparwomensrace.co.za/pmb-home.html.

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