ADVERTORIAL
SPAR Jozi is Your Time to # ChooseYou
SPAR celebrated the launch of the iconic SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi 2024 with a sparkling launch function in June at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park , Johannesburg , and says this year ’ s race is all about you !
Calling all women of Jozi … Marks Park Sporting Club will be the place to be on Sunday 6 October as the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Series , including the SPAR Grand Prix elite race , returns to the streets of Johannesburg . This will be the 33rd edition of the Joburg leg of the SPAR series , and it will also be the final leg of the eight-race 2024 series , which started in Cape Town in March .
This year ’ s theme for the series , # ChooseYou , embodies the essence of the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi . It ’ s more than just a race ; it ’ s a celebration of what makes every woman unique . Whether you ’ re a seasoned runner striving for a personal best or a first-timer seeking a fun day out with friends , the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge welcomes you with open arms , celebrating female empowerment and inclusivity in sports .
“ SPAR recognises the transformative power of sport to inspire and empower women ,” says Mpudi Maubane , SPAR PR , Communications and Sponsorship Manager . “ We believe in creating opportunities for women to participate in physical activity , challenge themselves , and achieve their goals . Our involvement in women ’ s road running , including the SPAR Grand Prix Series , perfectly aligns with our sponsorship pillars : Nutrition , Education , and Women Empowerment . It celebrates women ’ s health , fitness , and community spirit .”
Inspirational Elites
A top field of elite athletes is expected to line up in Jozi for this final leg of the 2024 SPAR Grand Prix . With athletes able to count their best four results in the five-race Grand Prix series , it promises to be a fantastic spectacle as they chase maximum points in the last race of the series . The winner of the race will earn 20 points in the open category , second place will collect 19 points , etc , down to 20th position , plus there will be points for those athletes competing in the different age categories , and bonus points will also be on offer .
Throwback to 2023
Check out the smiles that last year ’ s SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi produced !
With the sporting world focused on the Paris Olympics this year in July- August , the elite and contender fields at the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi 2024 will include several current and former Olympians , and a number of them were present at the Emperors Palace launch . This included a fascinating panel discussion featuring 2024 Olympians Cian Oldknow and Rutendo Nyahora ( Zimbabwe ), 2024 Paralympian and 2021 Tokyo silver medallist Louzanne Coetzee , and three-time Olympian René Kalmer . These inspiring women shared their journeys and insights , motivating aspiring runners to chase their dreams and embrace the # ChooseYou spirit .
Great Reasons to Run
Entries for the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi 2024 will be capped at 12,000 , and online entries opened on 4 July . In-store registration will open on 5 August . The entry fee of R160 includes a race T-shirt , foam peak , and a copy of My Jozi Challenge Magazine . Aspiring 10km runners should note an additional R60 license fee will be charged to those runners who are not part of a running club and thus need a temporary licence number for the day .
Olympian and Paralympian athletes at the launch of the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi , ( from left ) Cian Oldknow , Louzanne Coetzee , Rutendo Nyahora and René Kalmer
The SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Jozi also goes beyond the finish line , because every stride that runners and walkers take will raise awareness and funds for incredible causes . This year , proceeds from the event will benefit Headstart Kids , the Smile Foundation , and Reach for Recovery – all perfectly aligned with SPAR ’ s commitment to education , nutrition , and women ’ s empowerment .
This race is not just a celebration of female participation in sports , it ’ s a chance to run alongside inspiring women , create lasting memories , and foster a supportive community . So , don ’ t miss your chance to be part of this annual tradition … Register today !
Image : Reg Caldecott
Online entries for the SPAR Women ’ s Challenge Tshwane can be done now at https :// sparwomensjozi . co . za ,
46 ISSUE 170 | www . modernathlete . co . za while entries will also be taken manually at Selected SPAR Stores in Gauteng from 5 August .