Ready, set, mark your calendars for SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane as it returns in-person after 3 years of virtual races! Here’s all you need to know about the event:
Tshwane, South Africa (11 May, 2023)—One of South Africa’s most popular road running races, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane will again host athletes of all skill levels to raise money for worthy causes.
The annual contest will return to SuperSport Park in Centurion in August, will host 5km and 10km races for women and girls under the theme #4Smiles with the Smile Foundation at the heart of the races.
With its unique focus on promoting women’s road running and supporting local charities, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane has become a must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about fitness, community development, having fun and making change all in one breath (or many deep ones as you tread the races!).
Since 1996, the race has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the world’s biggest road races for women, and organisers are expecting another large field this year. Not to mention, unlike the last three years, it’ll be held in person, marking a great comeback moment.
This year’s event, which includes a fun-filled day full of good food, prizes to win and charities to support, will start and finish at SuperSport Park in the heart of Tshwane and will be run through the beautiful suburbs surrounding the stadium.
And, the Tshwane leg also incorporates the Grand Prix Series with R1.8 million up for grabs in prize money.
Supporting the Smile Foundation
This year’s race will raise money for the Smile Foundation, which ties in with the event’s #4Smiles theme.
The campaign aims to remind people of the power of a smile and how it can impact themselves and those around them, emphasising that one smile can ignite many others, creating a chain reaction of positivity.
With the event supporting the Smile Foundation, the entries of the race participants will help benefit children born with cleft lips or palates who are part of the Smile Foundation’s program.
As part of the campaign leading up to the race, the Smile Foundation, in conjunction with Good Morning Angels, will operate on many children at the Steve Biko Hospital. This initiative will ensure that these children can smile with confidence for the rest of their lives, thanks to the generosity of the event’s participants and supporters.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane will also continue to support Hanna Charity, the Empowerment Trust and Cupcakes for Hope, while Irene Homes will again pack the amazing goodie bags for all entrants.
Entertainment for Everyone
Plenty of activities will keep everyone entertained and several competitions will be held throughout the day.
Entrants will also have a chance to win a car as part of a nationwide contest being held over the six legs of the SPAR Women’s Challenge series.
Overall, the event promises an electric atmosphere and is the perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones and friends while supporting good causes. But, while most will smile from an epic time, the most important part of the cause remains the same—giving smiles to others.
“Most importantly, the event will raise funds for local charity initiatives, making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”—SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane race organiser Retha Ingenbleek.
The event will take place on 5 August, and the cost of entry is R150. You can sign up here.
Don’t forget to check out the Eastern Cape run of the SPAR Women’s Challenge, set on carrying the baton for Autism later this month.