IN a sold-out field, defending series champion Glenrose Xaba extended her lead in the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix on Sunday, June 22, producing another dominant performance to win the second leg of the women’s 10km road running series at the 35th Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge.

Xaba, representing Boxer Athletics Club, shook off her opponents in the small lead group shortly after the 6km point and tore clear to win comfortably in 31:54, running 14 seconds quicker in the second half of the race.

“I’m just blessed to win today because it’s the first time I’ve won the Durban leg of this series. I usually finish second or third, or further back in the top 10, so I’m very happy,” said Xaba

Ethiopian Diniya Abaraya, only 19 years old and in her first season as a senior athlete, finished second in 32:09, while her compatriot Selam Gebre faded a bit in the closing stages of the race but held on to grab third place in 32:25.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to race here. The weather conditions were wonderful, and we pushed one another. I’m happy with the result and I want to congratulate Glenrose on her achievement today,” Abaraya said.

Gebre, who collapsed shortly after finishing, admitted she was not feeling well. “I am feeling a bit under the weather. I had a severe headache, and I couldn’t control it, so I had to push myself to see how far I could go, and finishing third is a bonus for me. I’m very happy with the result,” said Gebre.

SPAR KZN presented the race charity, Sinethemba Women’s Foundation based in Inanda, with a cheque for R100 000. Another lucky recipient was 5km participant, 58 year old Roshini Reddy, who won herself a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.

The next Challenge in KZN will take place in Pietermaritzburg on August 17.

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