Women from Johannesburg, the West Rand and surrounding areas who took to the streets for the annual SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix recently, celebrated athletic excellence, perseverance, and community spirit at the Grand Prix Awards in Midrand.

It was a standout day for 31-year-old Boxer athlete Glenrose Xaba, the current South African 10km record holder, who became the first black South African to win the SPAR Grand Prix Series three times. She clinched victory in the Jozi 10km Challenge last month, joining the ranks of former West Randers Rene Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl, as well as Ethiopian athlete Tadu Nare, as the only runners to achieve this treble. Xaba previously won her first title in 2017, before the series opened to international athletes, and then again in 2024 and 2025.

Xaba’s victories earned her R300 000 – R200 000 for winning the SPAR Grand Prix Series, plus an additional R100 000 for being the first South African finisher. She also won all five races in the 2025 series, adding a combined prize of R165 000.

Ethiopian runners Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) and Salem Gebre (Nedbank) placed second and third in the SPAR Grand Prix Series, receiving R100 000 and R75 000 respectively. Among South African runners, Karabo Mailula (Tuks) finished fourth, winning R50 000 plus R70 000 as the second most successful South African, while Karabo More (Boxer) took home R30 000 plus R50 000.

In the junior category, Chanell Groenwalt topped the leaderboard with 37 points, followed by her Boxer teammates Wiepke Schoeman (35 points) and Taya Pelser (29 points). Other age categories saw Janie Grundling (Peak Performance) win the 40-49 section with 20 points, Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) take first in the 50-59 category with 40 points, and the undefeated Judy Bird dominate the 60+ section with 40 points. Winners in each age group received R10 500, second place R8 000, and third place R5 000.

Preparing for the Valencia Marathon in Spain on December 7, Xaba expressed pride in her achievement as 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 want to thank my coach, Violet Semenya and my mentor, Caster Semenya, for believing in me and helping me grow as an athlete. I’m not yet sure how I will use the prize money, but last year I was happy to assist my grandmother with her finances,” she added.

SPAR National PR, sponsorship, and communications manager Mpudi Maubane confirmed the series will return in 2026 and praised the Grand Prix’s role in promoting women’s sport, ending gender-based violence, and supporting period poverty initiatives. She also acknowledged SPAR Distribution Centre teams across South Africa and co-sponsors Hyundai, Coca-Cola, Modern Athlete, and Athletics South Africa for their support.

Athletics South Africa acting president James Mathane highlighted SPAR’s long-term commitment to women’s athletics, describing the Grand Prix as a premier platform that nurtures talent, promotes transformation, and offers world-class competition. At each of the five races, one lucky entrant also won a Hyundai Exter SUV, reinforcing Hyundai’s support for a healthier and more active South Africa.

The 2026 SPAR Grand Prix calendar will be announced early next year in consultation with Athletics South Africa and its provincial affiliates.