Glenrose Xaba makes history with fourth SPAR Women’s Challenge Grand Prix Series victory
The Boxer Athletics Club star reflects on the challenges she faced, her comeback, and the special role her grandmother has played in her journey.
Glenrose Xaba produced another determined performance at Marks Park Sports Club on October 4, overcoming a difficult year to successfully defend her SPAR Women’s Race title and become the first woman to win the Grand Prix four times.
Running for Boxer Athletics Club, Xaba crossed the finish line in 00:32:26, adding another landmark achievement to her career. “It was so difficult, but I’m very happy that I was able to run up to the last point. I’m just grateful because I was able to defend my title,” Xaba said.
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She said the achievement was a reflection of the hard work she had put in throughout the year, saying that the beginning of the year had been particularly difficult, with the period after the Cape Town race taking a toll on her mentally. “It was challenging for me, but I’m glad that I put it together and was able to stand up by myself and able to work very hard.”
Her physical recovery also tested her after a personal best performance resulted in a knee injury that required a gradual rebuilding of her fitness. “One of them was so painful. I think it was a niggle. I started fresh and then I built up so that I can become very strong and able to go back to my fitness.”
Xaba credited her faith for helping her push through the difficult periods. “I just thank God. Without God, I don’t think I was going to push so far.”
Sunday’s victory had been a goal Xaba set for herself at the start of the year, when she resolved to make history by becoming the first woman to win the Grand Prix four times. She achieved that goal in front of a sea of pink at Marks Park Sports Club.
Xaba also dedicated special attention to her grandmother, whom she described as someone who has remained close to her heart and played an important role in encouraging her throughout her career. “She always believes in me and always motivates me. Even from feeling down, she’s always there for me.”
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Top 10 finishers:
- Glenrose Xaba — 00:32:26 — Boxer Athletics Club
- Karabo More — 00:33:36 — Boxer Athletics Club
- Selam Gebre — 00:33:51 — Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia
- Esther Berundu Borura — 00:34:25 — Super Eagles Athletics Club
- Irvette van Zyl — 00:34:42 — Hollywood Athletics Club
- Karabo Malilula — 00:35:14 — Boxer Athletics Club
- Gerda Steyn — 00:35:23 — Hollywood Athletics Club
- Kyla Jacobs — 00:35:25 — Boxer Athletics Club
- Emma Browne — 00:35:31 — Peak AC
- Dirbe Dagne — 00:35:51 — Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia
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