Families gear up for Jozi’s SPAR Women’s Challenge
Marks Park will host the SPAR Women’s Challenge on 5 October, with fun runs, a kids zone, charity causes, and chances to win big prizes.
Johannesburg is gearing up for one of the city’s biggest community sporting events, as thousands of women prepare to take part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge on October 5, 2025.
The event, which starts and finishes at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia and features a 5km and 10km races, will bring together runners, walkers, families and elite athletes under the theme #Twenty20Thrive.
While access for residents will be maintained, it will be limited as runners will run on the designated route.
According to the Emmarentia Residents Association (ERA) website, collections will take place at Marks Park between October 1 and October 4, with no collections allowed on race day itself. Organisers are urging entrants to plan to avoid delays.
• Also read: Joburg gets ready to thrive at 2025 SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi
The Johannesburg leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge is known for its festive atmosphere, and this year will be no different. A dedicated Kids Zone at Marks Park will keep children entertained with jumping castles, face painting and games while their parents take part in the race. Parents are reminded, however, that children must be supervised at all times.
On the morning of the race, parts of Emmarentia and the surrounding suburbs will be closed to traffic. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department has confirmed that Emmarentia Avenue and nearby streets will be restricted from around 05:00 until 10:00. Special parking areas have been set aside, with access through different gates at Marks Park and nearby schools. Drivers are advised to arrive early and follow the directions of marshals to avoid congestion.
The affected intersections will include:
- Komati Road – along the bottom edge of the race area
- Barry Hertzog Avenue – the section within the race route
- Louw Geldenhuys Road – section of the race route
- Umgeni Road
- Orange Road
- Judith Road
- Buffalo Road
- Greenhill Road
- Ingalele Road.
The Johannesburg challenge also forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix series, which attracts some of the country’s top runners. With prize money at stake, competition at the front of the race is expected to be fierce, but for most entrants, the day is about fitness, fun and community spirit.
