Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Entries are now open

The Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge is back for its 34th year and you can register now! This popular event will take place at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday, June 23rd. Due to the race’s popularity gaining momentum every year, entries are limited to a maximum of twelve thousand participants in the year 2024. The theme for this uplifting event revolves around #ChooseYou with an emphasis on encouraging women to prioritize self-care – both mentally and physically- as a priority goal towards better well-being.

“Our theme “Choose You” amplifies our commitment to inspire a healthier community,” says Menelisi Luthuli, Marketing Executive, SPAR KZN. “In a world where external pressures often overshadow personal well-being, we encourage women to embark on a journey of self-care and self-discovery. SPAR advocates a balanced lifestyle where individuals prioritize their own needs alongside external demands, finding fulfillment in both. Ultimately, our theme this year emphasizes that self-care isn’t selfish but rather crucial for lasting well-being and happiness.”

Two strong local women, Precious Mthembu and Dr. Marise Subrayan, have been chosen as the 2024 Race Ambassadors. Precious Mthembu is a sporting star and educator who has had success in both netball and coaching, while Dr. Marise Subrayan is an award-winning Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist who is passionate about empowering women and girls regarding female-related health issues. Both women are inspiring figures in their respective fields.

The Challenge route remains unchanged from the 2023 event, with the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark. The 10km race begins at 8am and the 5km race at 9am.

Online entries for the 2024 Durban event can be made at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban until midnight on 16 June. The entry fee for the 10km run is R180 with a KZN Athletics license, or R230 with a temporary license, while the fee for the 5km is R180. On-site registration is also available, with fees of R200 (with license) and R250 (without license) for the 10km, and R200 for the 5km. Bulk entry collections are an option as well. All participants who are 18 years and older are eligible to enter.

At this Durban Challenge, a field of highly competitive runners will compete in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series that travels around South Africa. The total Series Prize Purse is sitting at over R1,68 million this year. Prize money for the first female athlete crossing the line in Durban is R33,000 with the runner-up earning R25,000 and third place winning R20,000. The first South African woman across the line will also earn R10,000. There are also prizes for top-age category runners. The prize-giving event will include a lucky draw with various prizes, including the opportunity to win a car.

For more information visit the race website, like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

Pic by Starchild Media | Issued on behalf of SPAR KZN