Xaba, who secured the overall SPAR Grand Prix Series title last year, leads the 2025 campaign after winning the first two legs in Cape Town in March and Durban in June.

Since then, the Boxer Athletics Club star has continued to flaunt her impressive form, winning the South African 21km title for the sixth time in her career at the Foskor Half-Marathon in Phalaborwa on 26 July.

She stopped the clock at 1:10:03, breaking the course record which was held by former world record holder Elana Meyer.

"This gives me more confidence and I'm looking forward to having a good race in Tshwane because I want to keep my SPAR Grand Prix title," Xaba said after retaining the national half-marathon crown.

"I want to motivate black athletes, women and upcoming athletes to know they can achieve anything. The SPAR Grand Prix series is where I started as a road runner, I love the  SPAR women’s only races, so to win it again will be a motivation not only for me but for other athletes as well."

Elite contenders

Though she will line up as the favourite in Tshwane, Xaba is unlikely to have it all her own way against a quality elite field.

Ethiopian athlete Selam Gebre (Nedbank) is just three points behind Xaba in the overall standings, and she will be aiming to cause an upset and take the series lead.

Six other athletes among the top 10 in the standings - Karabo Mailula (Tuks), Ethiopian Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank), Cacisile Sosibo, Zanthe Taljaard, Lebo Phalula and Carina Swiegers (all representing Boxer) - are also in the entry list and will be hoping to make some inroads on Xaba's lead.

Other elite athletes to watch include the likes of marathon runner Cian Oldknow (Hollywood), experienced athlete Kesa Molotsane (Kovsies), and former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya (Masai).

Other categories

In other age groups, three athletes will be aiming to extend their lead after dominating the first two legs of the series.

Lebo Phalula, who is in ninth place in the open standings, has been superb in the 40-49 division and she will line as the firm favourite to secure a third successive victory.

Judy Bird (Boxer) will also hope for another win in the 60+ age group, along with Wiepke Schoeman (Boxer) in the junior category.

In the 50-59 age group, there has been a tighter battle in the overall standings over the first two races, with Anne Stewart (Atlantic) lying four points ahead of Elizabeth Potter (Boxer). Both runners are in the field for the Tshwane race, and an exciting contest is on the cards.

Race route

The Tshwane leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series promises an exhilarating test of endurance as runners take on a scenic yet demanding route through the heart of the city, starting and finishing at the iconic SuperSport Park.

The course winds through a blend of residential and commercial areas, with an early incline setting the tone for a race that rewards stamina and mental grit.

Runners will face rolling hills and a peak elevation of 1 469 meters at the 7.3km mark, before a welcome descent carries them into a fast-paced final stretch back to the finish line at 1 417 meters.

With an elevation profile that starts at 1 420 meters, this race is not just a celebration of women in sport - it's a true test of athletic prowess.