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The SPAR Women’s Race Joburg is launched in style

BROADACRES – The SPAR Women's Race Joburg promises to delight us all once again.

Inspiring people, delicious food and top entertainment were the order of the day at the media launch for the SPAR Women’s Race Joburg.

The enchanting Buitengeluk venue in Broadacres saw South Africa’s fastest 10km women runners meet to promote Joburg’s most beautiful race, which last year raised R60 000 for charity.

 

Thulethu Ngqokwe is the winner of the Face of the SPAR Women’s Race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

 

 

René Kalmer receives a photo of her at the Olympics from Arnold Geerdts. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

READ: Olympian sisters, René and Christine Kalmer run together ahead of SPAR race

Taking place at Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia, on 7 October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery will be the beneficiary again this year.

 

A violinist and singer performs at the media launch. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Central Gauteng Athletics president James Moloi spoke at the launch on 23 August, saying the run has played a major role in inspiring women and girls to improve their fitness.

“Over the years the SPAR series has proved to be South Africa’s most beautiful race,” he said.

Deirdre Larkin (86) answers some questions on why she started running nine years ago. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

 

Monique Naudé, Thulethu Ngqokwe (winner), Zondelela Ramashala and Adielah Johnson are the finalists of the Face of the SPAR Women’s Race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

SPAR South Rand divisional marketing director, Martin Webber said the 5km fun run and 10km challenge bring social and elite runners together.

“The SPAR Grand Prix series always sees top runners competing, making it a real race. But we also see women of all walks of life – young and old, fit or not fit – the runs appeal to all.”

 

READ: Five runners disqualified in SPAR Women’s Race in Pietermaritzburg

 

Race patron, and twice Olympian athlete, René Kalmer described the role the race played in her journey when she first started running.

“I am so grateful for SPAR who have helped me develop as an athlete and give me the chance to go to the Olympics.”

After more inspiring words were heard from top runners, the Face of the SPAR Women’s Race winner was revealed to be Thulethu Ngqokwe (26) from Sunninghill.

She explained that she and her runners-up look forward to promoting the run that does so much for women with breast cancer.

Glenrose Xaba leads the series on 87 points, five points ahead of Rudo Mhonderwa.

 

Cherry Hart and Dorothy Lewis of Reach for Recovery have fun at the media launch. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

 

A violinist and singer performs at the media launch. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

According to the series coordinator, Ian Laxton, Xaba may only need to finish in the top 10 of this last race in the series to win the title.

However, the older categories are very closely contested, and come 7 October there will be much to get excited about.

ALSO READ: The SPAR Women’s Race Joburg is back and it now has a face to go with it

Will you be at the SPAR Women’s Race Joburg? Tell us what you are looking forward to about the race in the comments below.

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