Celebrate 35 years of sisterhood – Join the SPAR Women’s 10km/5km Challenge
A much-loved fixture on Durban's sporting calendar, the event has inspired over 369 000 women to lace up and take part since its inception in 1990.
THE iconic SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge marks a major milestone in 2025, celebrating its 35th edition on Sunday, June 22.
What started with just 2 200 runners has grown into one of South Africa’s most celebrated women’s races, peaking in 2015 with 17 607 participants. The race has also seen elite performances, from Colleen de Reuck’s win in 1990 to Tadu Nare’s blistering 31:14 record last year.
Also read: Briardene organisation opens the doors to education
This year 12 000 entries will be accepted, with the 10km race starting at 08:00 and the 5km at 08:45.
“SPAR has proudly supported women’s road running for 35 years, and it all started here in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Menelisi Luthuli, SPAR KZN marketing director.
“This event is about more than running, it’s about community, personal growth, and empowering women to thrive, which is why our 2025 theme is #Twenty20Thrive.”
The #Twenty20Thrive campaign celebrates women prioritising their well-being, embracing growth, and thriving in all areas of life.
The race follows the same fast and flat out-and-back route starting on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, near Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, and finishing on the outer fields of the rugby grounds. Runners can expect a festive atmosphere at the finish line, with entertainment and exciting giveaways, including a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT worth R269 900.
Competitive athletes will vie for R185 000 in category prizes as part of the SPAR Grand Prix Series, with the top three women earning R33 000, R25 000 and R20 000 respectively.
Online entries are open and close at midnight on Youth Day (June 16) or when the 12 000-entry cap is reached. The entry fee is R180 for both distances. A temporary licence (R55) is required for 10km runners without an ASA licence. Bulk entries (10 or more runners) are available for corporates, schools, and social teams until Friday, June 6.
Race pack collection will take place at Kings Park Stadium outer fields on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 to 18:00 and Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 to 16:00.
A special bulk entry collection day is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, allowing team leaders to pick up race packs on behalf of their teams. Bulk entry teams must request the registration link by emailing kzn@spar.run
Late entries will be accepted at race pack collection for R200.
Each entry also contributes R5 to the Sinethemba Women’s Foundation in Matabetule near Inanda Dam. The organisation works to end gender-based violence and uplift women and youth in disadvantaged communities
For more information and to register, visit www.spar.run
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
