Joining together in an empowering celebration of women through sport, thousands of runners and walkers will come together for the annual SPAR Women’s Challenge road running festival in Johannesburg on 1 October 2023.

Consistently growing in popularity, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi has witnessed a surge in participants in recent years. It provides an opportunity for women of all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds to participate over 10km or 5km distances.

The event also forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix series, in what is expected to be a thrilling sixth and final leg of the annual series. Elite runners can accumulate points to make them eligible for prestigious titles and over R1.8 million in prize money.

“This event allows runners across the country to challenge themselves and compete against some of the best athletes in the world. This is an unforgettable experience,” said Kesa Molotsane, former SPAR Grand Prix series champion and SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi ambassador.

“On behalf of the athletes, I thank SPAR for their continuous support in providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their talent and inspire others to pursue their dreams. I look forward to joining thousands of women once again at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi.”

Electrifying atmosphere

The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi embodies and reflects the spirit of unity, inclusivity and empowerment.

Beyond the competition, the race day atmosphere at the Marks Park Sports Club venue is electrifying. The vibrant entertainment and camaraderie among fellow runners create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

“SPAR is thrilled to be promoting the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi, an event dedicated to bringing smiles to women in and around Johannesburg,” said Charleen Goschen, Divisional Marketing Director for SPAR South Africa’s South Rand region.

“The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi symbolises the strength and resilience of the women in this vibrant city. We are committed to empowering women and fostering community and friendship through this event,” she concluded.

Community support

In addition to encouraging women’s participation in sport and promoting a healthy lifestyle, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi is dedicated to giving back to the community.

As part of the #4Smiles campaign, this year’s event aims to raise funds for two incredible charities: the Smile Foundation and Reach for Recovery.

The Smile Foundation focuses on providing life-changing surgeries for children born with cleft lips or palates. Through the generosity of the event’s participants and supporters, the Smile Foundation ensures that these children can smile with confidence for the rest of their lives.

Reach for Recovery provides vital support to breast cancer survivors. Their compassionate volunteers, many of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves, offer emotional and practical assistance to women who have undergone surgeries, helping them regain confidence and improve their quality of life.

Source: SPAR South Africa

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About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963. It operates four retail formats: SPAR neighbourhood, SPAR Express (operated in conjunction with Shell as a petrol forecourt store), KWIKSPAR (which focuses on convenience in city centres and high footfall locations), and SUPERSPAR Supermarkets (similar to EUROSPAR in offer). 

 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.