2020 has taken its toll on the psyche of our nation and to counteract the shadow that has been cast across our collective mood, SPAR decided that something had to be done to bring back the sunshine

The result was the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge – a running and walking event without boundaries that invites women to walk or run their own route in a together-apart experience.

Participants can share their experience on the day with 30 000 odd fellow participants by posting photos to social media using the hashtags #BeSunshine and #SPARVirtualChallenge.

Entries were opened on 22 July 2020 and the response from SPAR’s loyal following has been overwhelming. Almost 5000 entries were placed within the first week making the nation’s need for some sunshine evident. Race organisers are urging the public to enter early to avoid disappointment!

Due to the on-going fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot was cancelled this year. But with this event, SPAR has set out to prove that creativity cannot be cancelled, inspiration cannot be cancelled, unity cannot be cancelled – and SUNSHINE cannot be cancelled.

#BeSunshine is the theme for this year’s virtual challenge, and carries with it an underlying message of walking together, walking for a purpose, showing love and kindness. Thus, walking on sunshine, by sharing messages that bring joy, happiness and sunshine to those around you.

This theme is a celebration of the boundless positivity and resilience of South African women in the face of adversity. When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine!

The SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge takes place on Saturday, 26th September 2020, anytime between 06:00 and 18:00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). You can run, jog, or walk your own race, at your own pace, on your own route, at any distance, from any location you choose.

Once you have entered and have your race pack, all you need to do is the mark the date on your calendar and pick your route. On 26 September you can share your virtual experience on social media platforms using the hashtags #BeSunshine #SPARVirtualChallenge.

Guidance on entries and how the event works can be found at www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za. Online entries are open and are available at www.itickets.co.za.

South African entrants will receive a race pack with their entry containing a race t-shirt, a buff and a copy of the race magazine. All entry fees will go towards helping SPAR to spread a bit of sunshine to those who have experienced gender-based violence (GBV). For every entry, SPAR will donate a food parcel to the family of someone who has experienced gender-based violence (GBV), in collaboration with Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels.

To enter on iTickets, simply select your ticket, choose your t-shirt size, enter your details, and make payment. You can also help SPAR to spread a little extra sunshine by making an additional, optional donation to the Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels.

Those entering in in-land provinces including Gauteng, Free State, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga will be able to collect their race packs in participating SPAR stores from 14 – 25 September.

Those entering from coastal provinces including Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal will need to book a courier ticket to have their race pack delivered or if you reside in Western Cape or KZN, you can choose to collect from one of the listed pick-up points.

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