South Africa's marathon queen Gerda Steyn will spearhead a star-studded field of 15,000 runners at Marks Park on Sunday, taking a powerful social stand at the Jozi Spar Women's 10km Challenge. Steyn, known for her record-shattering dominance at the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons, will test herself over the short distance. She recently clinched a runner-up finish at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km in a time of 35:51, demonstrating her sharpness over the short distance.
Defending Jozi Spar Women's 10km Challenge champion Glenrose Xaba will attempt to make history on Sunday at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmerentia, where a win will secure a historic fourth Grand Prix title. Xaba arrives in Johannesburg in great form, having won the Gqeberha Spar Women's 10km Challenge in 31:17 – the second-fastest 10km of her career. A win on Sunday would break the deadlock with René Kalmer and Irvette van Zyl.
Beyond her competitive drive, Steyn will lead a solemn moment of silence at the start line in solidarity with Spar's campaign against gender-based violence (GBV). Steyn expressed her concerns about the horrific levels of GBV in South Africa, stating that women should be able to go about their daily lives without fear. This powerful social stand adds to the significance of the event.
The title is far from guaranteed, as current series leader Cacisile Sosibo holds the upper hand over Xaba. Having missed the Durban leg due to international racing commitments, Xaba must push for a high-scoring victory to overhaul her Boxer Athletics teammate. Ethiopian contender Selam Gebre sits just behind in third with 86 points, keeping four athletes mathematically in contention for top-three honours.
The single-lap route taking runners through leafy Joburg suburbs like Emmarentia, Greenside, and Parkview features a mix of steady climbs and long, fast straights passing landmarks like the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Melville Koppies. With Boxer runner Tayla Kavanagh opting out to race on the European circuit after winning the first two legs, Xaba, Sosibo, and Gebre will battle it out on the road.
Steyn's presence adds huge star power to a race that doubles as the winner-takes-all finale for the 2026 Spar Grand Prix title. Her headlining presence ensures a dramatic, meaningful conclusion to the national series. The event has garnered significant attention, with many athletes vying for the top spot.
Key athletes are preparing for a high-stakes showdown. Glenrose Xaba is ready to reclaim control and secure her fourth Grand Prix title. Cacisile Sosibo and Selam Gebre are also in contention, making the competition fierce. The stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable conclusion to the 2026 Spar Grand Prix series.
Key points
- Gerda Steyn to lead 15,000 runners at Jozi Spar Women's 10km Challenge.
- Defending champion Glenrose Xaba seeks historic fourth Grand Prix title.
- Current series leader Cacisile Sosibo holds the upper hand in the title fight.
