ADVERTORIAL
Tshwane leg of SPAR Grand Prix Launched
A top field of elite athletes is expected to line up for the third leg of the 2024 SPAR Grand Prix Series in the nation ’ s capital in August .
The Tshwane leg of the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix , part of the 2024 SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane , was officially launched recently at a prestigious event held in the heart of Pretoria . This highly-anticipated race is scheduled to take place on 3 August , starting at 2pm at SuperSport Park in Centurion . Participants can enter online or at selected SPAR stores across the region . This will be the third leg of the five-race SPAR Grand Prix Series , the largest and richest women-only road running series in the world , with a total prize purse exceeding R2 million underlining its status as a significant event in African athletics .
The launch event honoured the top runners who will participate in the SPAR Grand Prix Series Tshwane , and the event was also graced by several top athletes who will represent South Africa at the Olympic Games in Paris this August , Olympic marathon hopefuls Cian Oldknow and Irvette van Zyl , as well as and celebrated Olympians René Kalmer , Caster Semenya and LJ Van Zyl . These athletes added prestige and inspiration to the event , highlighting its importance in the South African sporting calendar .
Supporting the Cause
Ralph Rajagopaul , SPAR North Rand Marketing Executive , warmly welcomed the guests . His arrival in a SPAR2U mellow van was particularly notable ; as this electric vehicle demonstrates SPAR ’ s dedication to sustainability and a greener future , aligning with global efforts to combat climate change . Rajagopaul commented , “ The SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane is more than just a race , it ’ s a movement that celebrates and empowers women . This year , we continue our mission to support girls in developing communities , ensuring they have the resources to live healthy and fulfilled lives . We are proud to be part of this journey towards empowerment and wellbeing .”
The SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane is committed to charitable causes , and this year , the focus is on improving sanitary health among young girls in developing communities . In a significant gesture of support , Caster Semenya received the first donation of over 1000 packs of SPAR Petal Sanitary Pads , which will aid the numerous development programmes that she champions , furthering her work in empowering young women .
For All the Women
The campaign hashtag for this year ’ s SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Series is # ChooseYou . This theme is a rallying cry for women participating in the series ,
Top runners who attended the SPAR Grand Prix Tshwane launch included ( front , left to right ) Frances van Blerk , Charne Bosman , Glenrose Xaba , Lebo Phalula , Cacisile Sosibo , Karabo Mailula , Karabo Motsoeneng , Irvette van Zyl , Cian Oldknow , Rutendo Nyahora ; ( back left to right ) Lebogang Phalula , Ronel Thomas , Ralph Rajagopaul ( Marketing Executive , SPAR North Rand ), Charlene Subbarayan ( SPAR National Sponsorship and Events Manager ), Christine Kalmer , René Kalmer
encouraging them to prioritise themselves , their dreams , and their wellbeing amidst the demands of daily life . Another good reason to take part in the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane in August is that all female entrants over the age of 18 will be in line to win a Proton X50 , a compact SUV that blends innovation and power , valued at R450,000 .
As the main sponsor and organiser , SPAR ’ s involvement extends beyond financial support . Their messaging revolves around celebrating women ’ s achievements , fostering solidarity among participants , and promoting a culture of empowerment . Through strategic partnerships and community engagement , SPAR reinforces its commitment to championing women ’ s causes and making a tangible difference in women ’ s lives across Tshwane .
Legendary SA Olympians Christine Kalmer , Caster Semenya and René Kalmer |
Magician Wian van den Berg and MCs Vanes-Mari du Toit and Rozanne Mckenzie on stage |
TikTok sensations Janey & Waney with SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane ambassadors Warrior Ric and Gerda van Schalkwyk |
Images : Courtesy SPAR |
Online entries for the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane can be done at https :// sparwomenstshwane . co . za or https :// www . entryninja . com / events / 80471-spar-womens-race-tshwane , while entries can also be done manually
34 ISSUE 169 | www at . modernathlete Selected . co SPAR . za Stores in Gauteng – check the list of available stores here : https :// sparwomenstshwane . co . za / list-of-stores /