Making strides. Pacing each other ahead of the 35th running of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge on Sunday 22 June are Cindy Watridge (SPAR KZN Omni Channel Retail Operations Manager); Natasha Jeebodh (SPAR KZN Development Design Manager); race day entertainer, Jane Magner from Veranda Panda; Nozipho Mkhize (SPAR KZN Advertising & Sponsorship Manager) and Precious Mthembu (SPAR KZN Race Ambassador and Former SPAR Protea’s Netball star, SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach and teacher).
Image: Val Adamson
A landmark celebration awaits as the SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge marks its 35th anniversary in Durban on Sunday June 22.
Over the past 34 years, the challenge has inspired an impressive 369 406 participants to lace up their running shoes and take to Durban’s scenic streets. It began with just 2200 women in its inaugural year, growing to a record-breaking field of 17 607 runners in 2015.
Top-tier athletes have also graced the event. South Africa’s Colleen de Reuck claimed the very first title in 34:16, while last year saw Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare blaze through the 10km route in a record 31:14.
This year, the event will host a maximum of 12 000 runners, with the 10km race starting at 8am and the 5km fun run following at 8.45am. The route remains unchanged – a fast, flat, and festive out-and-back course that begins on Masabala Yengwa Avenue, near Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, and ends on the stadium’s outer rugby fields.
“This milestone year is not only a celebration of running but also a celebration of the power and spirit of women,” said Menelisi Luthuli, SPAR KZN Marketing Director.
“For 35 years, the SPAR Women’s Challenge has created a platform where women can set goals, challenge themselves, and thrive in an uplifting environment. That’s what inspired our 2025 theme – #Twenty20Thrive – a call for women to invest in their personal well-being and growth,” she said.
The theme also highlights a commitment to self-care, achievement, and thriving in every area of life – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
In addition to fitness and fun, the Durban event also forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix Series, that offers R185 000 in prize money. The top three runners in the 10km race will take home R33 000, R25 000, and R20 000 respectively.
All participants will be treated to a festive finish, complete with live entertainment and exciting lucky draw prizes – including a brand-new Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT valued at R269 900.
Entries are open online until midnight on Youth Day (16 June) or until the entry cap is reached. Entry costs R180 for both distances. Runners participating in the 10km without a valid 2025 ASA licence must purchase a temporary licence for R55. Bulk entries (10 or more runners) for schools, corporates, and social groups close on Friday, 6 June.
Late entries will be available at Race Pack Collection for R200. Race packs can be collected at Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields on Friday, 20 June (10am to 6pm) and Saturday, 21 June (10am to 4pm).
In a continued show of support for meaningful causes, R5 from each entry will be donated to the Sinethemba Women’s Foundation in Matabetule, near Inanda Dam. This organisation works to end gender-based violence and empower women, girls, and youth through sustainable programmes.
For more details or to enter, visit www.spar.run or follow the SPAR Women’s Challenge on social media.
Thriving together. It’s always better with friends. The SPAR KZN team prepare for the upcoming Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge. Gearing up for the big day on Sunday 22 June are Nomfundo Shezi (SPAR KZN Sponsorship Controller & Events); Natasha Jeebodh (SPAR KZN Development Design Manager); Precious Mthembu (SPAR KZN Race Ambassador and Former SPAR Protea’s Netball star, SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach and teacher); Cindy Watridge (SPAR KZN Omni Channel Retail Operations Manager) and Nozipho Mkhize (SPAR KZN Advertising & Sponsorship Manager).
Image: Val Adamson