Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge celebrates huge milestone
Durban is where it all began for the SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge which returns on Sunday, June 22, for the 35th anniversary of the scenic race. Entries are open until June 16 or until the the cap of 12 000 is reached.
EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the 35th edition of the SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge which will celebrate this milestone at the Durban leg of the race on Sunday, June 22.
With entries opened and capped at 12 000, hype surrounding the scenic race has taken off following the launch of the challenge on Friday where an 08:00 start for the 10km and 08:45 for the 5km were announced. Since inception in 1990, the women’s race has been enjoyed by 369 406 participants, with the biggest field of 17 607 runners competing in 2015. It is a feat that SPAR KZN marketing director, Menelisi Luthuli, was very proud to support.
@caxtonlocalmedia We are so proud to once again be the official media partner of the 35th SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge set to take place in Durban on Sunday, June 22. With only 12 000 entries available, this iconic race promises fitness, fun and fierce female energy on a stunning, flat route that starts near Kings Park Stadium. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just in it for the vibes, this is YOUR year to shine under the #Twenty20Thrive ♬ Thunder – Imagine Dragons
“For 35 years, we have proudly sponsored women’s running races, championing health, empowerment, and community spirit, and it all began here in KZN,” said Luthuli at the launch. ”This long-standing commitment has provided women with a space to set achievable goals, celebrate their fitness, and personal achievements, and do so with camaraderie. Beyond the race, SPAR’s support has inspired generations of women to lead active, confident lives – many reasons for our theme of #Twenty20Thrive this year.”
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In 1990, Colleen de Reuck was the first to take the top podium in a time of 34:16, and fast forward to last year, Tadu Nare from Ethiopia took the honours with a record time of 31:14. The 2025 race follows the unchanged fast and flat route with an out-and-back course starting along Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, near the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, with the race concluding on the outer fields of the rugby grounds.
For competitive runners, the Durban race forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix series which offers R185 000 in race category prizes. The top three athletes will net a total of R78 000, with the first across the line earning R33 000, the second placed lady R25 000 and the third R20 000.
Online entries are open until midnight on Youth Day, June 16, or until the limit of 12 000 is reached. Online entry fees are R180 for both the 5km and 10km events. One lucky participant will drive away from the race in a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT following a lucky draw on the day. Social runners entering the 10km event and not in possession of a 2025 ASA licence number will be required to purchase a temporary licence for R55. Late entry and the Race Pack collection will cost R200 for both the 10km and 5km events.
Race pack collections will be at the Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 to 16:00. For more info, visit www.spar.run or like the race’s social media.
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