She was met at the finish line by her ecstatic grandmother, Elizabeth Xaba, who has been a massive influence in Glenrose’s life. It was the first time Elizabeth Xaba had seen her granddaughter win a race.89-year-old

Xaba shot to the front from the start and was never challenged, finishing more than a minute ahead of teammate Karabo More, who was second in 33:36. Ethiopian Selam Gebre, (Nedbank) was third in 33.51.

Three times SPAR Grand Prix winner, Irvette van Zyl, was fifth in 34:42 and her fellow Hollywood runner Gerda Steyn, winner of multiple Two Ocean and Comrades Marathon titles, was seventh in 35:23. Athletics Club

At the start of the race, Steyn led the 15 000 runners in a moment’s silence to honour the victims of Gender Based Violence, (GBV), particularly 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who was murdered while on a training run. Moselakgomo ran the Jozi SPAR Challenge last year. The elite runners wore black armbands as a tribute to their fellow runner.

“I am so happy to be the first person to win the SPAR Grand Prix four times,” said Xaba. 

“My year didn’t start well, when I lost to Tayla Kavanagh in Cape Town, and I had to pick myself up from that disappointment,” she said. (Hollywood AC)

“But things got better after thar and I am very proud of my achievement.”

Xaba said her focus next year would be on marathons, and she hoped to qualify for the World Marathon championship.

“For the rest of this year, I will be running half marathons, including the Hong Kong half marathon.

“I think Karabo has a good chance of winning the SPAR Grand Prix next year,” said Xaba.

During the press conference after the race, it was revealed that Kavanagh had broken Xaba’s South African record, when she came fifth in the Brasov 10km in Romania, in a time of 30:50.

“I am very happy for Tayla. Records are meant to be broken,” said Xaba.

“I hope Tayla and I can run against each other and maybe even break 30 minutes as we push one another.”

More said she was very proud to have finished in back to back SPAR Grand Prix races having also finished second in the Gqeberha race last weekend Saturday.second

Steyn said she thought the race was a huge tribute to the women who have died as a result of GBV, and particularly to their fellow runner, Moselakgomo.

“I thought about her while I was running. I hope her daughter knows how many people were thinking of Elizabeth as they ran this race,” said Steyn.

SPAR South Rand Human Resources Director Noni Xaba said SPAR was deeply committed to the fight against GBV and period poverty.

“We support women in any way possible and our sponsorships, such as and road running, are aimed at helping girls and women to stay safe,” she said.netball

RESULTS OF JOZI SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE

Results from the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10 km Challenge run at Marks Park on Sunday Sports Club

OPEN: 1. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 32:26; 2. Karabo More (Boxer) 33:36; 3. Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 33:52; Esther Borura (Super Eagles) 34:25; 5. Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) 35:23; 8. Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) 35:25; 9. Emma Browne (Peak RC) 35:31; 10. Dirbe Dagne (Nedbank) 35:51 AC) 34:42; 6. Karabo Mailula (Boxer) 35:14; 7. Gerda Steyn (Hollywood AC

JUNIOR 1. Dirbe Dagne (Nedbank) 35:51; 2. Mpho Katiso (TUT) 38:03; 3. Megan Waller (Nedbank) 39:19

40-49 1.Este van Tonder (Nedbank) 38:53; 2. Makhosi Mahlongo (Hollywood) 39:45; 3. Tebogo Mokgosinyane (Nedbank) 40:44 AC

40-59 1. Charne Bosman (Tuks) 41;30; 2. Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) 42:16; 3. Janene Carey (Boxer) 43:23

60-69 1. Judy Bird (Boxer) 44:08; 2. Dalene Sonnekus (Nedbank) 46:54; 3. Elmarie Pretorius (RWFL) 49:28

70+ 1 Frances van Blerk (Nedbank) 57.42; Claudette McLean (Mercury) 1:10:18; Serene Netshiaulu (RAC)31:11:38.