Xaba claims dominant victory in Jozi SPAR Women’s challenge, makes history

Glenrose Xaba delivered a commanding solo performance at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Johannesburg on Sunday, winning in 33 minutes and 7 seconds and completing a historic clean sweep of all five SPAR Grand Prix races this year.

Held at the Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, the race drew a capacity crowd of 12 000 runners and supporters. But on the course, it was Xaba who stood out, powering away from the rest of the elite field before the halfway mark and never looking back.

“Irvette got us to a very fast start, and I am grateful for that,” said Xaba, referring to fellow South African Irvette van Zyl’s early surge. “Then Selam [Gebre] and Diniya [Abaraya] forced the pace until about four kilometres. From six kilometres, I just focused on my splits and on my own running.”

Xaba’s efforts paid off with a clear victory over Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya, who finished second in 33:42, and van Zyl, who came home third in 34:35. The win not only gave Xaba her third SPAR Grand Prix title overall but also made her the first South African athlete to win all five legs of the Grand Prix in a single season; a feat that could redefine the hierarchy in local and regional women’s road running.

“I am very happy to be the first South African to win all five SPAR Grand Prix races this year,” said Xaba, proudly holding her winner’s medal after the race. “And to have won the SPAR Grand Prix for the third time makes it even more special.”

For van Zyl, a veteran of South African distance running, the podium finish was a triumph of grit. “I went into the race with no expectations. I felt horrible yesterday and even wondered if I would be able to run. I just wanted to do my best,” she said.

Despite being overtaken by the midway point, van Zyl expressed admiration for her rival’s performance. “Glenrose has given everyone the belief that they can do better, and I think the international athletes will soon struggle to win the SPAR Grand Prix again.”

Abaraya, representing Nedbank and one of a growing contingent of East African runners on the local circuit, acknowledged the toughness of the Johannesburg course. “I had a good race today, although I found the hills very challenging,” she said. Still, her second-place finish capped off a strong series of performances throughout the SPAR season.

Further down the field, multiple Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon champion Gerda Steyn finished 11th. Steyn, using the race as part of her preparation for the Cape Town Marathon in two weeks, said she values the unique energy of the SPAR event.

“I always look forward to the SPAR Women’s Jozi race,” she said. “I love the vibe and the experience of running in a women’s-only race. I find lining up with thousands of other women inspirational.”

The day’s festivities were more than just about fast times and finish lines. Among the crowd was Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe, who praised SPAR for its ongoing investment in women’s sport and social development.

“It’s only through sponsorship that women’s sports will flourish,” said Mabe. “I would like to congratulate SPAR for their support for women’s road running and netball, but also for their campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.”

The Jozi leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge once again delivered on every front; elite athleticism, community engagement, and a celebration of women at every level of participation. But at the heart of it all was Glenrose Xaba, rewriting history and raising the bar for what’s possible in South African road running.

RESULTS

Open: 1. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 33:07; 2. Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) 33:42; 3. Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) 34:35; 4. Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 34:49; 5. Karabo Mailula (Tuks) 35:04; 6. Karabo More (Boxer) 35:22; 7. Mildred Kinyanja (Nedbank) 35:39; 8. Nyaingiri Kemuntu (Nedbank) 35:41; 9. Olga Firsova (Ind) 36P05; 10 Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer) 36:14

Junior: 1. Taya Pelser (Boxer0\ 39:00; 2. Chanell Groenewalt (Boxer) 39:54; 3. Andrea Steynberg (NWU) 40:04

40-49: 1. Olga Firsova (Ind) 36:05; Elizabeth Chenweno (Nedbank) 38:03; 3. Leilani Scheffe (Boxer) 39:32

50-59 1. Elizabeth Potter (Boxer) 43:05; 2. Salome Cooper (Jeppe Quondam) 43:34; 3. Anne Stewart (Atlantic) 43:44

60-69 1. Judy Bird (Boxer) 43:46; Ezna Flattery (Nedbank) 47:14; 3. Grace de Oliviera (Maxed Elite) 49:19

70-79: 1. Winnie Koekemoer (Team Vitality) 59:59; Annatjie Greyvenstein (Irene) 1:06:33; 3. Joan de Klerk (Run Zone) 1:09:01