The SPAR Women’s Challenge returns to Durban on June 28, bringing elite athletes and casual runners together for a major race day.

The 36th edition will once again start and finish at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, with a 10km race for women and a 5km ‘fun run’ open to all. The 10km begins at 8am, followed by the 5km an hour later.

This year’s #CelebrateHer theme honours the strength, spirit and diverse journeys of participants. The 10km race also forms part of the national SPAR Grand Prix series, alongside events in Cape Town, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.

A total of R138 000 in prize money is up for grabs in the 10km open category, with the winner earning R33 000. The top three in each additional category will receive R6 500.

All finishers will receive a medal and goodie bag on presentation of their race number tear-off. A post-race lucky draw includes prizes such as a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT valued at R269 900.

Entries are open online, with payment via card or in-store at SPAR outlets across KwaZulu-Natal. One entrant paying in-store stands a chance to win a R10 000 SPAR voucher. Entries close on Monday, June 22.

Race registration takes place on June 26 and 27 at the stadium’s outer fields. The field is capped at 12 500 entrants and, with last year’s event selling out early, runners are encouraged to enter soon.

Five rand from each entry will go to this year’s race charity, iThemba Lethu, a Manor Gardens organisation supporting young people through long-term development programmes.

To enter go to sparwomenschallenge.co.za.