SPAR Women’s Challenge in Jozi a success
On Sunday, 1 October 2023, Johannesburg witnessed a vibrant and spirited event as 9,000 participants flooded the streets for the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi, conquering both the 5km fun run and 10km races.
After three years of virtual presentations due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s live event marked a triumphant return that filled the streets with runners and smiles.
Kicking off the race, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the remarkable resilience and strength exhibited by the women who have chosen to be part of this empowering event. He praised their commitment to fostering functional and healthy communities, underlining the vital role they play in shaping the city of Johannesburg.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the power of mass participation in sports, particularly highlighting the invaluable contribution of women in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. In the heart of this dynamic city, women have risen as beacons of strength and skill, showcasing their prowess across various sporting disciplines. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit have not only enriched the sports landscape but also inspired countless others,” said Cllr Magwentshu.
The streets were painted with smiles, reflecting the spirit of this year’s #4Smiles campaign, which added to the jubilant atmosphere of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi.
Additionally, the event proudly supported the Smile Foundation and Reach for Recovery, contributing much-needed donations to these charitable organisations. According to the organizers, having the charities present to receive the donations further enhanced the feel-good spirit this race has become known for.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi continues to empower women, promote fitness, and positively impact the community.
As the event celebrates its triumphant return to the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, it remains a beacon of hope, unity, and resilience.
Charleen Goschen, Divisional Marketing Director for SPAR South Rand, expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s with immense gratitude that we acknowledge that this year’s race is ‘live’ again after three years of presenting it virtually, a period when the Covid-19 pandemic challenged us in ways we never could have imagined. Your resilience and enthusiasm for the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi shine brightly.”
Goschen also extended congratulations to the elite athletes who participated in the final leg of the SPAR Grand Prix for 2023, remarking, “Your dedication and passion for the sport inspire us all.”
Ethiopian runner Selam Gebre (Nedbank won the Jozi leg of the SparWomen’s 10 km Challenge in 33:41 minutes on Sunday. Another Ethiopian, Debash Kelati Desta, was second in 33:55. Three-times Spar Grand Prix winner, Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood RC) was third in 35:08.
