Joburg has been basking in one of the warmest Augusts in recent history, with glorious days and cool nights, which had everyone celebrating an early Spring. Sunday marks the official start of Spring, which means the SPAR Women’s Challenge is just around the corner.
All over Joburg and its surrounding areas, women are taking to the streets to prepare for this year’s race and fun run. The warm weather has made it easier for them to jump out of bed, lace up their trainers and shake off their winter woes.
Marks Park Sports Club has proved to be a very popular venue for the 10km Challenge and the 5km Fun Run, nestled as it is in the leafy suburbs of Greenside and Emmarentia.
The 10km route is challenging, but not too difficult, and the 5km Fun Run takes in beautiful Emmarentia Dam and the adjoining Botanic Gardens.
Race Day, on Sunday October 6, is very much a family day. There is a large Kiddies area, where children can be left to have supervised fun while Mom runs her race. There is plenty of secure parking and food outlets galore.
The race is also about giving back to the community, with several initiatives associated with the race. The designated charity is Reach for Recovery, a support group for women who have to undergo mastectomies, staffed by volunteers who have themselves gone through the process.
Another initiative is the “Drop a pair to show you care”drive, with entrants asked to bring along old trainers, to be passed on to people who have none. It has proved very popular in the past and hundreds of people have benefited from the drive.
Entering and registering for the race is easier than ever. Entry forms are available at all SPAR, SUPERSPAR and KWIKSPAR stores in the greater Joburg area, but even better, there are 70 stores where you can enter and register at the same time. You will be given your free race t-shirt and race number, which means you don’t have to register at Marks Park Sports Club. You will receive your goodie bag and medal when you finish the race.
But you can also enter online at www.spar.co.za. Online entries close on September 24 and store entries close on Friday September 27. However, late entries will be accepted at Marks Park Sports Club on Thursday October 3, Friday October 4, Saturday October 5 and early on Sunday October 6.
There are 16 000 beautiful official t-shirts waiting to be handed over to people taking part in Joburg’s most beautiful road race, so don’t waste time – enter today.