Striding into its 36th year, entries are officially open for the much-loved and iconic Spar Women’s 10/5km Challenge in Durban, taking place at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday, 28 June. The Durban 10km will be the second leg of the Spar Grand Prix Series.
This year, Durban’s most beautiful race is capped at 12 500 entries with participants deciding between a gentle 5km ‘fun run’ challenge or the more serious 10km race, which has an attractive cash purse for top runners. The longer distance sets off on the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ route at 8am sharp, while the 5km athletes will get going at 9am, with both distances taking participants along parts of Durban’s spectacular Golden Mile.
All registration is done online, with options to pay using a debit or credit card, and with a convenient new addition to pay in-store at any Spar in KwaZulu-Natal after entering online. One lucky entrant who opts to pay in-store could win a R10 000 Spar voucher. Online entries close on Monday, 22 June.
The 10km forms part of the national Spar Grand Prix Series, run over five Spar Women’s 10km Challenge races, in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg. The competitive runners will be able to pocket R33 000 in prize money for coming first across the line in this year’s 10km race. A total of R138 000 will be awarded to the top 10 in the open category, with each other category giving away R6 500 for the top three placers.
With the scenic Durban route seen as a favourite among the elite and advanced athletes, top runner entries from all over South Africa and Africa are expected.
10KM ONLY OPEN TO WOMEN
As it is a women’s event, the race organisers have decided that the more competitive distance is only open to women. Men are welcome to dress up and have fun in the 5km Fun Run / Walk.
Another change this year means that all finishers will receive a medal and their Goodie Bag after they complete their run. Heading through the finish chute, race numbers will have a tear-off section that must be handed over in exchange for the jam-packed Goodie Bag. Plus, SPAR KZN will be giving away some fantastic items in the post-race lucky draw, including a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.
The Challenge continues to be more than just a race, by offering a running or walking experience that extends beyond the road, enabling participants to connect with like-minded women, have fun and reach important goals that they set for themselves. This year’s #CelebrateHer theme recognises the strength, spirit and diverse stories of all the women who take part, and who each arrive at the finish line with their own motivations and journeys.
Race Registration is on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June on the outer fields at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. As last year’s Challenge sold out a few weeks before, early entry is advisable to avoid disappointment.
Five rand from each entry will go to this year’s Race Charity, iThemba Lethu. Based in Manor Gardens, iThemba Lethu is dedicated to shaping brighter futures by investing in young lives from an early age and supporting them every step of the way.