DURBAN’S roads are set to burst with energy, colour and excitement on June 22 when the SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge returns for the 35th time. From its humble beginnings in 1990 with 2 200 participants, the event has expanded to be one of South Africa’s most prestigious women’s races, having had a staggering 369 000 participants over the past three decades.

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This year, the Durban instalment will welcome a capped 12 000-strong participants. The 10km race gets underway at 08:00, with the 5km fun run at 08:45. The course remains the same, a flat, fast and scenic out-and-back along Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, starting near the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium and finishing on the outer rugby fields.

Menelisi Luthuli, SPAR KZN marketing director, said, “For 35 years, we have proudly sponsored women’s running races, championing health, empowerment and community spirit, and it all began here in KZN. This long-standing commitment has provided women with a space to set achievable goals, celebrate their fitness and personal achievements, and do so with camaraderie. Beyond the race, SPAR’s support has inspired generations of women to lead active, confident lives, many reasons for our theme of #Twenty20Thrive this year.”

Prizes:

Although thousands of runners will be running for fun and fitness, the Durban race also includes the competitive SPAR Grand Prix series with a prize of R185 000. The top three finishers will earn R33 000, R25 000, and R20 000 respectively.

Running for a cause:

This year, R5 of every entry will be donated to the Sinethemba Women’s Foundation in Matabetule, close to Inanda Dam. The foundation aims to fight gender-based violence and empower women, girls, and young people in underprivileged communities through sustainable programmes.

Registration details:

Online registration is available until midnight on Youth Day, June 16 or sooner if the limit is reached. Registration is R180 for the 10km and 5km distances. Temporary licences must be purchased for R55 if you are a runner without an ASA licence for 2025. Group registrations are available for teams of 10 and more members.

Collection of race packs will take place at the Kings Park Stadium outer fields on June 20 (10:00–18:00) and June 21 (10:00–16:00).

For more information or to enter, visit www.spar.run or look up the event on social media.

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