Entries are open for the 34th running of the Durban Spar Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place in and around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday June 23.

Entries for 2024 capped at 12000, and the theme for this year’s race is #ChooseYou with the underlying message of motivating oneself, encouraging women to prioritise self-care, both for their mental and physical well-being.

“Our theme ‘Choose You’ amplifies our commitment to inspire a healthier community,” said Menelisi Luthuli, Spar KZN marketing executive.

Two strong, local women are the 2024 race ambassadors. Inspiring youth wherever she goes, sporting star and role model Precious Mthembu is the current Baby Proteas Coach, a teacher at Danville Park Girls’ High School and a former Proteas Netball player, notching up 97 caps for South Africa.

Joining her is Dr Marise Subrayan, an award-winning obstetrics and gynaecology specialist based at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital, who is passionate about educating and empowering women and girls about women’s health.

The Challenge route remains unchanged from the 2023 event, with the fast and flat out-and-back course starting under the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark. The 10km race begins at 8am and the 5km race at 9am.

Online entries close at midnight on June 16. The online entry for the 10km run is R180, with a KZN Athletics licence, or R230 with a temporary licence, and for the 5km is R180. Entries for on the day race registration are R200 (with licence) and R250 (without licence) for the 10km and R200 for the 5km. Bulk entry collections are also available.

Enter at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban

A field of highly competitive runners are expected to compete in this race and then the other races in the national Spar Grand Prix Series that travels around South Africa. The total series prize purse is sitting at over R1.68 million this year.

Prize money for the first female athlete crossing the line in Durban is R33 000 with the runner-up earning R25 000 and third place winning R20 000. The first South African woman across the line will also earn R10 000. There are also prizes for top age category runners.

A variety of lucky draw prizes will be awarded at prize giving, including a chance to win a car. All participants can enter the lucky draw where one race number will advance to the main draw for a Proton X50 valued at R449 000.

Seven women from the seven races around the country must attend the Spar Grand Prix prize-giving to qualify to win this car.

#athletics

Entries open for Durban leg of Spar Women’s Challenge