Inspiration for future generations
Elite athletes and dignitaries were spoiled at the SPAR Women's Challenge launch.
Great vibes, delicious food and a running spirit were the order of the day at the launch of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Joburg, where the theme this year is ‘Inspiring runners through generations’.
This concept was understood widely as elite runners of all ages celebrated the return of Joburg’s most beautiful road race.
The sixth event in this year’s SPAR Grand Prix will be held at Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia, on 6 October.
Buitengeluk in Broadacres provided a picturesque setting for the launch.
Photo: Nicholas Zaal.
SPAR advertising and promotions manager, Piet van Vuuren, opened the proceedings by thanking guests and vowing to once again give “every portion of the proceeds” to the Reach for Recovery Foundation, a breast cancer support group.
After this, Central Gauteng Athletics president, James Moloi, thanked SPAR for sponsoring an event that promotes women’s participation in sport.
Emcees Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp and Arnold Geerdts then welcomed the finalists for this year’s SPAR Face of the Race competition to the stage.
These were Alicia Chelsa, Busisiwe Ntobela, Sarah Ayres, Holly Gxubane and Chwaiyita Gugwini.
Last year’s winner, Thulethu Ngqokwe, then described how promoting the race and the charity helped her grow as a person, before announcing that Sarah was this year’s winner.
Sarah, a 32-year-old mother of two from the West Rand, thanked SPAR and discussed her involvement in running since she had given birth to her children. She described it as difficult at first but necessary to improve her health.
Race patron and running legend, René Kalmer, discussed her own journey towards running fast again after having a child.
Sonja Laxton was called to the stage to receive a gift from the organisers as she prepares to run her 100th SPAR Women’s Challenge in October.
“I never dreamt the SPAR race would become as big as it has now,” the veteran said.
Finally, SPAR Grand Prix promoter, Bruce Davidson, outlined the standings in the series.
Namibian runner, Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) leads after winning all five runs in record time and accumulating 150 points. Her closest challenger is Ethiopian junior, Tadu Nare, who has 134 points and could still win if Helalia does not run in Joburg and Tadu finishes in the Top 5, or if Helalia runs and Tadu finishes 16 places ahead of her.
How to enter:
Get out your running shoes and log on to www.sparjoburgrace.co.za to enter online. Online entries close at midnight on 24 September.
