News article

• South Africa’s top women athletes will fight for SPAR Grand Prix points in a blockbuster Tshwane 10km showdown to open national Women’s Month in August

• A generous donation to Irene Homes, a star-studded couch session, and a week of celebrations across Tshwane — the countdown to 1 August 2026 has officially begun.

The 2026 SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane incorporating the SPAR Grand Prix is now officially open, and if today is anything to go by, 1 August 2026 is going to be one for the books. The launch of this year's race — the third leg of the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix series — kicked off in true SPAR style with community, conversation, and a whole lot of heart.

Reigning SPAR Grand Prix champion, Glenrose Xaba was joined at the official launch in a couch discussion at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Tshwane by teammates Kyla Jacobs and newly crowned African 1500m champion, Karabo More. Seasoned athletics commentator and running royalty Zintle Mkoko moderated a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation with some of South Africa's biggest voices in women's road running on the importance of the SPAR Women’s Challenge and SPAR Grand Prix on the country’s athletics calendar.

“As defending champion, there will be pressure on me as the competition in the SPAR Grand Prix remains fierce. But I am confident I can win four Tshwane titles in a row and am working hard to defend my title. It’s a afternoon race which makes conditions different and the course has its challenges due to inclines, but I love running in Tshwane and will be ready come race day.” Glenrose Xaba, reigning SPAR Grand Prix champion and national 10km record holder.

The conversation covered the legacy and growth of the SPAR Grand Prix over 18 years, the record R1,967,500 prize purse on offer in 2026. The session also unpacked SPAR's commitment to social change through its support of the #EndGBV and Ending Period Poverty (EPP) campaigns, and what the #CelebrateHer theme means to the women who will be on the start line on 1 August.

The day began with a feel-good moment on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast with Martin, where the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane team presented a donation of R100,000 to Irene Homes — a care facility that is home to 85 women. The donation was made live on air, in partnership with Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels programme, at SUPERSPAR Saxby.

The contribution comprises a brand-new blanket for each of the 85 women living in the facility, as well as R75,000 to kickstart a baking project that will enable the residents of Irene Homes to generate their own income and contribute to the financial sustainability of the facility. The morning brought warmth, generosity, and early energy to what promises to be a landmark year for women’s sport in Tshwane.

Irene Homes is a longstanding beneficiary of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane. This donation is a reflection of SPAR’s belief that sport has the power to change lives.

This year, the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane rallies behind a theme that is as powerful as the women it celebrates: #CelebrateHer. In a world that too often asks women to shrink, to wait, or to prove themselves worthy of recognition, #CelebrateHer is a declaration — that women deserve to be seen, uplifted, and celebrated not only for what they achieve, but for who they are.

“The SPAR Women’s Challenge is so much more than a race. It is a platform — one that brings together sport, community, empowerment, and purpose in a way that few properties in South Africa can. Whether it is our elite athletes competing for Grand Prix glory, a first-time 5km runner crossing the finish line, our beneficiary organisations receiving life-changing support, or our campaigns against gender-based violence and period poverty — every single element of this property has one thing in common: celebrating and empowering women. And that is something very close to SPAR’s heart.” Mpudi Maubane, SPAR National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager

The SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane celebration will continue for the entire launch week, with activations at different SPAR stores across the region. Keep an eye on SPAR's social media channels to make sure you do not miss a single moment of the fun. From in-store surprises to media activations — follow along and stay in the loop.

Entering the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane 2026 is easy. At R200 per entry, every participant receives a race pack that includes:

• The official SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane race T-shirt
• The My Tshwane Challenge race magazine
• Your official race number

Your race number does more than identify you on the route. By simply scanning the QR code on your number, you will be registered and eligible to win prizes on race day — making every entry a chance to walk away with something special.

And the big one: one lucky participant will drive away in a brand-new Hyundai EXTER — worth R270,000 — to be given away on race day at SuperSport Park.

Race packs are available at selected SPAR stores or online. For full details on where to enter, visit:

sparwomenschallenge.co.za/tshwane

And as if a race T-shirt, a magazine, prize eligibility, and a shot at a Hyundai EXTER weren't enough — every finisher can look forward to a legendary goodie bag waiting at the finish line. Trust us, it is worth every step.

RACE DAY DETAILS AT A GLANCE

Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026

Time: 14h00

Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion

Distances: 10km (Grand Prix)  +  5km (Fun Run/Walk)

Entry Fee: R200 — includes T-shirt, race number & magazine

Vitality Points: 10km runners earn Discovery Vitality points via QR code on race number

Hyundai Prize: EXTER worth R270,000 — drawn on race day

Enquiries: 068 936 7323 (WhatsApp)  |  ladiesracepretoria@spar.co.za