R300k for three-time SPAR Grand Prix Series winner
The SPAR Women's 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards were held in Midrand, Johannesburg recently.
It was a mega payday for Glenrose Xaba at the annual SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old Boxer athlete, and current South African 10km record holder, became the first black South African to win the SPAR Grand Prix Series three times when she romped home to victory in the Jozi 10km Challenge last month. Three other runners, Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian athlete, Tadu Nare, are the only other runners to achieve the treble. Xaba won her first title in 2017, before the series was opened to international athletes, winning again in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to the R200 000 prize for winning the SPAR Grand Prix Series, Xaba also received R100 000 for being the first South African runner, so she walks away with a handsome R300 000.
On top of the overall Grand Prix prize money, Xaba won all five races in the 2025 series with a combined prize money of R165 000 for the victories.
Two Ethiopian runners, Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) and Salem Gebre (Nedbank), came second and third, respectively, in the SPAR Grand Prix Series. Abaraya received R100 000 and Gebre R75 000.
Karabo Mailula (Tuks), who finished fourth in the SPAR Grand Prix, won R50 000 as well as R70 000 for being the second most successful South African, while Karabo More (Boxer) won R30 000 and R50 000.
The junior section was won by Chanell Groenwalt, with a total of 37 points. Her Boxer teammates, Wiepke Schoeman and Taya Pelser, were second and third, with 35 and 29 points respectively.
Janie Grundling (Peak Performance) won the 40-49 section with 20 points. International athlete Olga Firsova was second, with 19 points, and Lebo Phalula (Boxer) was third, with 10.
Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) came first in the section for runners between 50 and 59, with 40 points. Anne Stewart (Atlantic) was second, with 28 and Janene Carey (Boxer) was third, with 15.
The evergreen unbeaten Judy Bird was the top runner in the 60+ section, with 40 points. Grace de Oliveira (Maxed Elite) was second, with 29 points, followed by Gail Baruch (Savages) with 17.
The winner in each age category received R10 500, the second-placed runner R8 000, and the third-placed athlete won R5 000.
Xaba, who is preparing for the Valencia Marathon in Spain on December 7, was proud to be the first black South African to win three SPAR Grand Prix titles.
“I hope young black girls will be inspired by what I have achieved,” she said.
“I think they will see what I have achieved and believe they can do it too. I want to thank my coach, Violet Semenya and my mentor Caster Semenya, who both believed in me and helped me to develop as an athlete.
“I am not sure yet what I will do with the money. Last year, I was very happy to be able to help my grandmother with her finances,” said Xaba.
SPAR national PR, sponsorship and communications manager. Mpudi Maubane announced at the awards that SPAR would sponsor the series again next year, and that preparations for the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix were already underway.
“We are delighted with the SPAR Grand Prix Series,” said Maubane.
“SPAR is committed to improving the lives of women, and we are excited that all five races in the series were fully subscribed. We were able to promote our campaigns to end gender-based violence and end period poverty, and we helped thousands of women to enjoy the benefits of exercise and the company of other women.”
She thanked the SPAR Distribution Centre teams in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, who were responsible for the exceptionally well-organised SPAR 10km Challenge races that played such an important role in the SPAR Grand Prix. Maubane also acknowledged the series co-sponsors, namely Hyundai, Coca-Cola, Modern Athlete and Athletics South Africa, for their partnership.
Athletics South Africa acting president, James Mathane, extended heartfelt gratitude to the SPAR Group for their year-on-year dedication to women’s sport through the SPAR 10km Grand Prix Series.
“SPAR have invested more than just financial support. They have invested in dreams, in talent, and in transformation. Through SPAR’s vision, this series has grown into one of the most prestigious and professionally organised women’s running platforms on the continent. The consistency in offering lucrative prize money, world-class organisation, and this beautiful annual awards ceremony, has made this partnership a cornerstone of women’s athletics in South Africa,” said Mathane.
At each of the five SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races that make up the SPAR Grand Prix, one lucky entrant won a Hyundai Exter SUV.
“The SPAR Grand Prix aligns with Hyundai’s commitment to a healthier, more active South Africa,” said Hyundai CEO Stanley Anderson.
“Regular exercise builds strength, confidence and community, the same values we strive to embody as a band. We also believe in recognising and rewarding excellence, especially when it empowers women to lead, inspire and break boundaries. That is why we sponsored five Exter vehicles, each worth R269 900, for each of these iconic races.
“Special congratulations to Xaba, whose inspiring performances have set a new standard for greatness. Her tenacity is a powerful reminder that greatness is earned kilometre by kilometre, as well as through focus and courage,” continued Anderson.
The 2026 SPAR Grand Prix calendar will be announced early next year, following consultation with partner Athletics South Africa and its provincial affiliates.
