One of South Africa's most popular road running races, the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane will again host elite athletes and thousands of amateur participants, while raising money for valuable causes, when the annual contest returns to SuperSport Park in Centurion on 5 August 2023.
The Tshwane leg of the 2023 SPAR Women's Challenge, which incorporates the elite SPAR Grand Prix Series (offering more than R1.8 million in prize money), includes 5km and 10km races for women and girls and will be held under the theme #4Smiles.
Launched in Pretoria on 10 May, attendees who turned out to support the event in the build-up included representatives from Athletics South Africa, Athletics Gauteng North and headline sponsor SPAR, and multiple elite athletes and brand ambassadors including Glenrose Xaba, Irvette van Zyl, Kesa Molotsane, Charné Bosman and Rene Kalmer.
This annual event has become a highlight on the City of Tshwane's sporting and social calendar, attracting participants from around the country and beyond.
With its unique focus on promoting women's road running and supporting local charities, the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane has become a must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about fitness, community development and having fun.
“As a previous Grand Prix series winner, I would like to thank SPAR for their continued support of women’s road running in South Africa,” said Molotsane.
“This competition provides a platform for female athletes to showcase their talent and inspire others to take up the sport.”
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH
The race has grown from humble beginnings in 1996 to one of the world's biggest road races for women, and organisers are expecting another large field this year.
The SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane races between 2020 and 2022 were held as virtual events due to the Covid pandemic, with elite athletes turning out at SPAR Grand Prix races, which showed SPAR’s commitment to remain positive during challenging times and again displayed their ongoing support of elite female athletes.
Social runners and walkers, however, will now have a chance to participate in the mass participation race once again.
This year's event, which includes a fun-filled day full of good food, prizes to win and charities to support, will start and finish at SuperSport Park in the heart of Tshwane and will be run through the beautiful suburbs surrounding the stadium.
SMILE FOUNDATION
Continuing the tradition of the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane supporting meaningful causes, this year's race will raise money for the Smile Foundation, which ties in with the event's #4Smiles theme.
The campaign aims to remind people of the power of a smile and how it can impact themselves and those around them, emphasising that one smile can ignite many others, creating a chain reaction of positivity.
With the event supporting the Smile Foundation, the entries of the race participants will help benefit children born with cleft lips or palates who are part of the Smile Foundation's program.
As part of the campaign leading up to the race, the Smile Foundation, in conjunction with Good Morning Angels, will operate on many children at the Steve Biko hospital. This initiative will ensure that these children can smile with confidence for the rest of their lives, thanks to the generosity of the event's participants and supporters.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane will also continue to support Hanna Charity, the Empowerment Trust and Cupcakes for Hope, while Irene Homes will again pack the amazing goodie bags for all entrants.
"The SPAR Women's Challenge is a popular race but it is also an extremely inclusive road running event that caters to everyone, just like SPAR. We love the fact that year after year we attract top professionals and recreational runners too, because this is what makes it a true celebration of women and community," said SPAR North Rand marketing manager Ralph Rajagopaul.
"At SPAR, giving back to our community is at the core of our values and we take the culture of caring very seriously. We are proud to collaborate with our partners and other event sponsors, as well as the City of Tshwane, to create an event that benefits not only our runners but also the broader community."
ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYONE
Plenty of activities will keep everyone entertained and several competitions will be held throughout the day.
Entrants will also have a chance to win a car as part of a nationwide contest being held over the six legs of the SPAR Women’s Challenge series.
Overall, the event promises an electric atmosphere and is the perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones and friends while supporting good causes.
"The SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience, with loads of exciting activities for runners and their families to enjoy. From live entertainment and competitions to exhibitors and food vendors, the event has something for everyone," said SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane race organiser Retha Ingenbleek.
"Most importantly, the event will raise funds for local charity initiatives, making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
"We look forward to hosting thousands of women and girls once again at this world-class event."