Defending SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) will be looking to stamp her authority on the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Gqeberha on Saturday. Xaba has won the first three races in the SPAR Grand Prix series and has a five-point lead on the SPAR Grand Prix table. She is aiming to become the third South African, after Rene Kalmer and Irvette can Zyl, to win the SPAR Grand Prix three times.

“I think I can be a role model for black girls,” says Xaba.

“I hope they are able to see my success and believe they can be successful too.”

The two Ethiopians, Salem Gebre and Diniya Abaraya, both from Nedbank, and rising TUKS star, Karabo Mailula, are expected to give Xaba some stiff competition.

Another of her challengers in Gqeberha is Tayla Kavanagh, who won the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Pietermaritzburg last month. Kavanagh (Hollywood) is currently in fine form and recently ran a personal best of 31:53 in the Total Sports 10km in Durban.

The SPAR Women’s 10km race starts and ends at Pollok Beach in Summerstrand. The gently undulating route is one of the most scenic of all the SPAR races and fast times can be expected.

SPAR Communications, PR, and Sponsorship manager Mpudi Maubane is delighted that the Gqeberha Race, like all the SPAR races this year, has been sold out.

“The SPAR Women's Challenges are more than just road races and fun runs; they are a powerful symbol of women empowerment, health promotion, and the fight against inequalities,” says Maubane.

“By participating, women are not only investing in their wellbeing but also contributing to a brighter future for all women in South Africa.

“Each of our SPAR Women’s Challenges is linked to SPAR’s ongoing commitment to ending Gender Based Violence as well as SPAR’s campaign to End Period Poverty by 2030,” she says.

“ We are committed to raising awareness and providing crucial support to organisations working to combat these prevalent issues. This multifaceted approach ensures that the SPAR Women’s Challenges not only promote physical wellbeing but also contribute to a safer and more equitable society for women in South Africa.”