Run the Spar Women’s Challenge in honour of someone who cannot

The sight of some 25 000 runners taking part in the Pretoria leg of the Spar Women’s Challenge each year is often referred to as ‘a sea of colour’. This year, that might literally be the case as bright blue t-shirts worn by Spar staff at the recent launch unveiled the 2014 colour.

The Spar Women’s Challenge is the most popular and inclusive road race in South Africa, attracting the country’s top professional female athletes and a vast range of recreational runners. The race began in 1999 with just 600 entrants racing along the University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof Campus.

Today, more than 25 000 entrants from around Gauteng run through Centurion’s streets, starting at SuperSport Park stadium and looping back along both a 5km and 10km route. Participants include Olympians, top age-group competitors, and many thousands who run for charity and to achieve their own personal goals. An estimated 15 000 spectators turn out in support of the event, along with hundreds of print and broadcast media.

The Pretoria race is a key part of the Spar Grand Prix series – the only competition of its kind in South African road running. It allows outstanding women runners to score points in the series of five SPAR Women’s 10km races, and be eligible for cash prizes and other rewards. The SPAR Women’s Challenge is the premier event on the Gauteng road running calendar.

“The phenomenon of 25 000 ladies running side by side, on a singular path striving for the same goal naturally led us to the theme ‘My Shoes, Your Shoes’ for the 2014 race,” said Jerome Jacobs, marketing director at Spar North Rand. The theme is being backed by a social media campaign asking all women running in honour of someone who cannot – those literally running in another woman’s shoes – to share their stories on the Spar Women’s Challenge Pretoria Facebook page.

Pierre and Juanné Spies have also put their stamp on this year’s Spar Women’s Challenge as brand ambassadors. Pierre and Juanné saw this year’s theme as a chance to represent and celebrate all women who do for their husbands and partners what Juanné does for Pierre. “I am sure that I am not the only woman who believes in supporting your husband and family. I am here to represent all the women who share these values and let them know that the role they play is not only recognised but appreciated,” said Juanné. They decided to represent the race as a couple as a reflection of their approach to life, love and marriage.

Fully committed to her role as a mother, breast cancer survivor and road safety activists Zoleka Mandela’s life is a story she believes will change many lives. She is also one of the brand ambassadors. As a product of two legendary icons, the late President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and freedom fighter, Nomzamo Winfred Madikizela Mandela, Zoleka’s social responsibility is hugely inspired by her grandparents and their passion to bring about change. She envisions the awareness of breast cancer and road safety as by no means an obstacle on her road to extending her project work in South Africa but merely as preparation on her personal journey to counter act the lives lost due to road carnage and breast cancer. In sharing her story she hopes that her life will inspire people to follow many of their dreams.

The official publication for the Spar Women’s Challenge, My Race, is back for the 2014. Now in its third edition, the magazine is jam-packed with helpful articles to help participants get ready for race day. A complete race preparation guide will help entrant’s train for a 5km or 10km race and includes all you need to know from what to eat to what shoes to wear. Additional topics range from the top running watches to making time for running. Alongside this content, vital race information has also been included such as frequently asked questions and a map of SuperSport Park. The magazine will be distributed by providing each participant with a copy when they enter the race.

Stay on top of the latest race news, enter exciting competitions and show your support by liking the Spar Women’s Challenge Pretoria Facebook page or following @SPARladiespta on Twitter.