Xaba seals SPAR Grand Prix title with victory in Gqeberha
She became the first black athlete to win the SPAR Grand Prix three times.
Glenrose Xaba continued her dominance of the SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km with another commanding victory in the Gqeberha leg on September 27.
The Boxer Athletic Club runner crossed the finish line in 31:57, claiming first place ahead of surprise package Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood Athletics Club, who finished in 32:01.
Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya, representing Nedbank Running Club, completed the podium in 32:04.
Xaba has now won all four races in the 2025 Grand Prix Series, securing her title with one race remaining – this weekend’s Johannesburg leg – and an unassailable 115 points.
She became the first black athlete to win the SPAR Grand Prix three times, having previously reigned victorious in 2018.
Her name now sits alongside fellow champions Rene Kalmer, Irvette Van Zyl, Namibia’s Helalia Johannes, and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.
On a morning ideal for running in the Windy City, Xaba lived up to her status as favourite by taking an early lead, looking fresh after skipping Wednesday’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K.
Her usual rivals Selam Gebre and Diniya Abaraya stayed with her in the early stages, and it seemed the podium positions were set as the trio led the field. However, having recently competed in the Buenos Aires Marathon, where she finished fourth, Gebre struggled to maintain the pace as Xaba surged ahead.
Wearing her now-signature white cap, the athlete nicknamed “SuperCharge” injected a decisive burst of speed, effectively securing the win. Kavanagh fought hard to claim second place, with Abaraya finishing third.
Speaking at the post-race media conference, Xaba said, “I was not 100%. My body was not responding well. The course was very fast. Last year, I ran a course record. Today I ran 31 high. I tried my best to push my pace, but I could not push much. In the last three kilometres, I told myself, ‘Let me give myself a push.”
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