Eighteen years of excellence, and the SPAR Grand Prix is showing no signs of slowing down. With a record-breaking prize purse of R1,967,500 up for grabs and Glenrose Xaba hunting history, South Africa’s premier women’s road running series is set to deliver its most spectacular season yet.
What started in 2008 as a platform for South African elite athletes has evolved into a fiercely competitive race-within-a-race that now attracts Africa’s finest distance runners. The series, contested over five SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races across Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, has become the benchmark for women’s road running on the continent.
International flavour elevates competition
The game changed in 2019 when SPAR threw open the doors to international athletes, and the results have been electric. The infusion of talent from across Africa has pushed local runners to new heights, with faster times and tighter competition becoming the norm rather than the exception.
“The international competition has proved to be invaluable, spurring local runners on to achieve faster times,” organisers confirmed, highlighting how the elevated standard has benefited South African athletics.
Prize money hits new heights
The financial stakes have never been higher. The overall SPAR Grand Prix champion will pocket a whopping R210,000, whilst second place commands R105,000 and third position secures R80,000. Even age-category winners are in for serious rewards, with top performers claiming R11,000 and runners-up banking R8,000.
But here’s where it gets interesting: SPAR has built in substantial incentives specifically for South African athletes. The top local finisher walks away with R110,000, and that’s on top of any overall prize money earned. Second-placed South African? R75,000. Even fifth position in the South African standings nets R21,000.
It’s a structure designed to reward depth and encourage local talent, whilst maintaining the integrity of open competition.
Xaba chasing unprecedented fourth title
The history books reveal an exclusive club at the top. Over 18 years, just four runners have managed to claim the SPAR Grand Prix title three times: Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare, and Glenrose Xaba.
Xaba, who made history as the first South African to win the series after it opened to international competition and the first black South African to claim three titles, now stands on the brink of immortality. A fourth victory would see her stand alone as the series’ most decorated athlete.
“The SPAR Grand Prix has become very important to me,” Xaba revealed. “I am very proud to be the first black South African to win it three times. I like to think that my achievements are an inspiration to young girls living in poverty as I was, who see what I have done and believe they can do the same.”
It’s motivation that transcends sport, and Xaba will carry the hopes of aspiring athletes across the country as she chases that fourth crown.
More than just racing
Whilst the competition on the tarmac is fierce, SPAR’s commitment extends far beyond finishing times and podium positions. The #CelebrateHer campaign anchoring this year’s series reflects the retailer’s broader mission to combat period poverty and gender-based violence.
Mpudi Maubane, SPAR’s National PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager, articulated the company’s vision with clarity and passion.
“As a business rooted in the heart of South African communities, SPAR has a responsibility to stand up for women and girls,” Maubane stated. “Ending period poverty and gender-based violence is about more than intervention—it’s about dignity, safer environments, and equal opportunities.
“This is not just one of those social responsibility programmes for SPAR—it is central to who we are. The SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and the SPAR Grand Prix are examples of our commitment to improving the lot of women.”
Power partners come on board
The 2025 series boasts heavyweight backing, with Hyundai and Coca-Cola confirmed as official partners alongside Modern Athlete as the official media partner.
Hyundai’s involvement brings added excitement for participants. At each of the five races, one lucky entrant aged 18 or over with a valid driver’s licence will drive away in an all-new Hyundai EXTER.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, emphasised the brand’s alignment with the series’ values.
“Hyundai is driven by performance, precision and people,” Anderson said. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with the SPAR National Grand Prix Series. Once again, one lucky attendee at each race stands a chance to drive away in the all-new Hyundai EXTER and this is our way of celebrating South Africans’ energy, on and off the track.”
Athletics SA applauds milestone
The Acting President of Athletics South Africa, John Mathane, lauded SPAR’s enduring commitment to the sport.
“SPAR is one of the longest standing sponsors of athletics in South Africa, and we applaud SPAR for having supported, promoted and empowered hundreds of thousands of women through the SPAR Challenge series, whilst assisting our elite athletes through the SPAR Grand Prix,” Mathane said.
“ASA are aligned with SPAR and their commendable initiative to end GBV and period poverty. The women of South Africa need to be heard, respected and protected.”
What lies ahead
As the SPAR Grand Prix embarks on its 18th year, the competition promises to be more compelling than ever. Record prize money, international quality, historical milestones within reach, and meaningful social impact—it’s a potent combination.
Whilst thousands of women of all ages and abilities will toe the line at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races, the elite field will be battling for supremacy in one of African athletics’ most prestigious series.
Will Glenrose Xaba etch her name into the record books with an unprecedented fourth title? Can South African athletes rise to the challenge posed by international rivals? And who will walk away with that life-changing R210,000 cheque?
The answers will unfold across five cities, five races, and 50 kilometres of fierce competition. The SPAR Grand Prix is back, and it’s bigger, better, and more significant than ever.
#CelebrateHer indeed.
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