Glenrose Xaba to defend her Spar Women’s 10km Grand Prix Series title

By Charles Baloyi
27th February 2025

Spar Women’s 10km Challenge champion Glenrose Xaba has confirmed to SABC Sport that she will participate in the opening leg of the 2025 series in Cape Town next month.

The Grand Prix spans five cities—Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Tshwane, and Johannesburg—where athletes compete for points, with the overall winner taking home R200,000 and a brand-new Hyundai.

The runner-up will earn R100,000, while the third-place finisher secures R75,000.

The opening race will take place on 30 March at Green Point Stadium, where over 10,000 women are expected to line the streets in pursuit of victory.

“My goal for the 2025 series is to perform well, run strong races, and build on what I achieved last year. Winning the title again would be a bonus, and I plan to compete in all the races—provided they don’t clash with my other commitments. I’m excited for the series to begin,” Xaba told SABC Sport.

Each race winner will receive R30,000 along with valuable bonus points.

To inspire South African runners, the organizers have introduced substantial incentives to enhance performance in the series.

The top local athlete on the leaderboard at the end of the series will take home R100,000, while the runner-up will earn R70,000, and the third-place finisher will receive R50,000.

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In support of emerging talent, the organizers will also award R10,000 to the most outstanding junior athlete.

Kesa Molotsane, the 2017 winner and Spar brand ambassador, has warmly welcomed the return of the series, praising the organizers for their role in growing the country's fastest women’s road race. “The Spar Women’s Grand Prix is one of the most significant events in South Africa, as it helps develop women’s road running. It consistently produces the best and fastest female road runners in the country,” Moletsane said.

“The women’s Olympic marathon team, for example, has benefited from the series, with many athletes regularly participating. This kind of financial support is vital for the growth of women’s road running.

“The competition also plays a key role in nurturing and identifying young talent, helping to keep the sport thriving. I encourage women to enter, enjoy themselves, and build friendships along the way.”

Entries for the 2025 races are now open at www.spar.run, with Hyundai offering five cars to social runners at each event. Here’s the race schedule: