THE Durban streets filled with thousands of women on Sunday morning (June 28) for the annual SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge. A sold-out field of 13 355 participants moved through the city, including runners from Durban South.

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The gathering served a dual purpose, functioning as both a local athletic fixture and a charitable endeavour. R5 from each entry fee was allocated to iThemba Lethu, a charity based in Manor Gardens.

Following the race, SPAR KZN Marketing Director Ralph Rajagopaul presented a cheque for R100 000 to Melissa Leslie, the organisation’s director. The post-race proceedings also included a prize draw, where Veloshni Naidoo of Phoenix won a Hyundai EXTER.

The true meaning behind the challenge

Kylie van Dyk was one of the seven members representing Yellowwood Park Athletic Club at the race. Van Dyk had initially aimed to finish the 10km in 01:05:00. However, upon reaching the start line and observing the scale of the event, she shifted her focus from her personal pace to the collective experience of the participants.

“I made the decision to let go of my goal and simply enjoy every moment. I partnered up with my running partner Genevieve Turk, and we set off together. About halfway through the race, she started to struggle. This race is about women uplifting and empowering one another, and there was no way I was going to leave her behind just to achieve a personal goal I had set for myself,” she said. 

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The pair worked in tandem, setting small targets for them to reach, and in the end crossed the line at 01:15:00.  “By the time we crossed the finish line, she had achieved three personal bests and finished with the biggest smile on her face. In that moment, we truly lived what the SPAR Women’s Challenge stands for,” she said.

Taking on the challenge

Among the participants was Wings Athletic Club’s Lavelle Marais who competed in the 10km event. Marais set a target of 01:20:00, which she just missed by five minutes. Nevertheless, Marais said she was still happy with her time and run. 

“The route was flat and enjoyable, I especially loved running along the beach. The atmosphere at the water stations was great and encouraging to keep moving. The Spar Women’s Challenge is a lovely fun walk/run to experience with family and friends,” she said. 

Marais said she definitely sees herself running the race again next year. 

The runners from the Durban South did not disappoint as they exemplified the real meaning behind the SPAR Women’s Challenge. 

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