SPAR South Africa celebrates 35 Years of the SPAR Women’s Race

May 9, 2025 IN THE CATEGORY: Sport sponsorship

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)
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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)
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The 35th edition of the SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge takes place in Durban on 22 June 2025. SPAR South Africa is proud to celebrate 35 years of empowering women through the race. The iconic race returns with the theme #Twenty20Thrive – inspiring women to prioritise their health, grow with confidence, and thrive in every part of life.

A milestone year for women’s running in South Africa

In 2025, SPAR South Africa marks a significant milestone – the 35th edition of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge. Taking place on Sunday, 22 June, the event celebrates over three decades of empowering women through sport and community. Since its inception in 1990 with just 2,200 participants, the Durban race has grown into one of the country’s most beloved mass participation events, encouraging over 369,000 women to take part.

This year’s race theme, #Twenty20Thrive, promotes self-prioritisation, personal growth, and wellbeing. The 2025 event is capped at 12,000 runners, with the 10km race starting at 8 am and the 5km at 8:45 am, continuing along the fast, flat Durban route.

Long-standing support from SPAR South Africa

“For 35 years, we have proudly sponsored women’s races, championing health, empowerment, and community spirit,” said Menelisi Luthuli, SPAR KZN Marketing Director. “This commitment started here in KwaZulu-Natal and has inspired generations of women to live active, confident lives.”

SPAR South Africa’s deep-rooted support is reflected across the race, from the vibrant atmosphere and entertainment at the finish line to meaningful partnerships such as with this year’s official charity, the Sinethemba Women’s Foundation, which works to end gender-based violence and uplift women in local communities.

Prizes, participation and purpose

Participants will enjoy a festive race experience, with giveaways, live entertainment, and exciting prizes. The Durban leg also forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix series, offering R185,000 in prize money, with R33,000 for the winner.

Entries are now open at www.spar.run and close on 16 June, or earlier if the cap is reached. With the Cape Town leg having sold out five weeks in advance, Durban runners are encouraged to register soon.

Source: SPAR South Africa

About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963. It operates four retail formats: SPAR neighbourhood supermarkets, SPAR Express forecourt stores, KWIKSPAR convenience focused stores and SUPERSPAR Supermarkets.  SPAR South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate stores under one of the four formats, with almost all the current store portfolio being independently owned.