Johannesburg, South Africa – As the festive season fades into memory, South Africa’s running community is gearing up for an electrifying start to the 2024 SPAR Grand Prix series. On Sunday, March 31, Cape Town will host the inaugural race of the prestigious series, welcoming thousands of women to participate in the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run.
This year’s SPAR Grand Prix promises high-stakes competition as elite and experienced runners battle for supremacy. The overall series champion will take home a remarkable R200 000, with the second and third-place finishers receiving R100 000 and R75 000, respectively. In addition, South Africa’s top female runner will be awarded R100 000, while the second and third-best local competitors will receive R70 000 and R50 000, respectively. Junior runners will also have the chance to claim top honours, with an overall prize of R10 000 for the highest-ranking young athlete.
However, the 2024 series brings an exciting new dimension to the event: Hyundai Automotive South Africa has been announced as the official national vehicle sponsor. Hyundai’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment aligns seamlessly with the spirit of the SPAR Grand Prix, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to uplifting female athletes and fostering community engagement.
Hyundai Exter SUVs Up for Grabs
In a thrilling addition to this year’s event, Hyundai will be giving away five Hyundai Exter SUVs—each valued at R269 900—at the five SPAR Women’s Challenge races. Eligible participants must be over 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license to stand a chance of winning one of these sought-after vehicles. This initiative not only adds to the excitement of the competition but also underscores Hyundai’s commitment to rewarding excellence and participation in the sport.
Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Women empowerment is an integral part of Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s business philosophy. Across our dealerships and leadership teams, we recognize the invaluable contributions of women and their role in driving both our success and broader social progress. The SPAR Grand Prix is a natural fit for Hyundai, as both running and driving embody themes of mobility, endurance, and achievement.”
Jansen van Rensburg further emphasized Hyundai’s dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships: “We strategically align with organizations that share our core values. The SPAR Grand Prix is one of the most important events in the South African sporting calendar, and we look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial association.”
A Competitive and Meaningful Series
The SPAR Grand Prix continues to provide a platform for top-tier female athletes to showcase their talents. South African star Glenrose Xaba, the reigning champion, aims to defend her title and secure a third overall series victory. Reflecting on her achievements, Xaba shared, “Winning the SPAR Grand Prix has been a dream come true. To achieve this twice is a career highlight, and I’m eager to maintain my momentum while staying injury-free this season.”
Each athlete’s best four performances will count towards their overall ranking, ensuring that even those affected by injuries or international commitments remain in contention for top honours.
Beyond the Finish Line: SPAR’s Commitment to Social Impact
SPAR’s National PR, Communications, and Sponsorship Manager, Mpudi Maubane, highlighted the broader significance of the event: “The SPAR Women’s Challenges are about more than just road running. They symbolize female empowerment, health promotion, and the fight against inequalities. Participants not only invest in their well-being but also contribute to shaping a brighter future for women in South Africa.”
SPAR continues its efforts to combat social issues such as Gender-Based Violence and Period Poverty through this initiative. Each race is linked to SPAR’s ongoing commitment to these causes, providing support to organizations working to address these pressing concerns.
For those unable to attend in person, all five SPAR races will be livestreamed via the SPAR Grand Prix and Modern Athlete Facebook pages, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the action and support the participants remotely.
Maubane also expressed gratitude for the continued partnerships that make the event possible: “We are thrilled to have Hyundai as our official vehicle sponsor and to welcome back Coke and Powerade for a second consecutive year. With their support, we are confident that the series will continue to grow bigger and better.”
Additionally, Discovery Health members who participate in the races will earn Vitality points, adding another incentive to take part.
Join the Movement
Entries for all five SPAR Women’s Challenges are open at www.spar.run. The remaining races will take place in Durban (June 23), Tshwane (August 3), Gqeberha (September 28), and Johannesburg (October 6). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of female athleticism and empowerment.
