It was a mega payday for Boxer Athletics star, and South African 10km record holder Glenrose ‘Supercharge’ Xaba at the annual SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards, held at the Protea Hotel Midrand on November 11.

Xaba walked away with R515 000 in prize money – R200 000 for winning the overall SPAR Grand Prix Series, an additional R100 000 as the first South African finisher, and R215 000 for winning all five races in the 2025 series.

The 31-year-old athlete, born and raised in eMbalenhle, made history by becoming the first black South African to win the SPAR Grand Prix Series three times, following her victories in 2017, 2024, and now 2025. The only other athletes to achieve this feat are Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, and the Ethiopian Tadu Nare.

Xaba’s latest title was sealed after a dominant performance at the Jozi 10km Challenge in October, where she clinched her fifth consecutive win of the season.

“I hope I have inspired young black girls by what I have achieved. I thank my coach, Violet Semenya, and my mentor, Caster Semenya, who both believed in me and helped me to develop as an athlete,” said Xaba.

Speaking about her finishing pace in her races, she said, “I always came up with another strategy because I knew that the fight in the last kilometres would be hard. The guys I train with always make the pacemaking very hard, especially during the last session.”

Behind her in the overall standings were Ethiopian Nedbank runners Diniya Abaraya in second place and Salem Gebre in third. Karabo Mailula of Tuks finished fourth as the second-highest South African, while Karabo More from Boxer rounded out the top five.

In the junior category, Chanell Groenewalt topped the leaderboard with 37 points, ahead of her Boxer teammates Wiepke Schoeman on 35 points and Taya Pelser on 29.

The 40-49 age group title went to Janie Grundling with 20 points, followed by Olga Firsova (19) and Lebo Phalula (10). Elizabeth Potter dominated the 50-59 category with 40 points, ahead of Anne Stewart and Janene Carey.

In the 60+ division, Midrand-based evergreen athlete Judy Bird remained unbeaten, claiming top honours with 40 points, followed by Grace de Oliveira and Gail Baruch.

Speaking at the awards, SPAR national PR, communications, and sponsorship manager Mpudi Maubane said the company remained committed to celebrating female excellence in sport.

“The SPAR Grand Prix remains the only series in the country dedicated exclusively to women athletes. We’re proud that it has become a benchmark for similar events around the world.

“Congratulations to all the runners, from juniors to veterans, for their world-class performances.”