Defending champion Glenrose Xaba is on the brink of making history by securing her fourth SPAR Grand Prix series victory at the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi. The event, set to take place at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmerentia, Johannesburg, on Sunday, will see 15,000 runners compete in the scenic 10km route. Xaba currently trails leader Cacisile Sosibo with 89 points, 10 points behind Sosibo's 99 points.
Xaba's impressive form was on display last weekend when she won the Gqeberha SPAR Women’s Challenge in 31:17 minutes, the second-fastest 10km of her career. Her closest competitors include teammates Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo More, and Karabo Mailula, as well as Ethiopian athlete Selam Gebre. The SPAR Grand Prix series allows athletes to skip one race and still be in contention, making Xaba's task even more challenging.
The route for Sunday's 10km race is a single lap course that starts and finishes at Marks Park, taking athletes through Johannesburg's leafy suburbs like Emmarentia, Greenside, Linden, and Parkview. The mainly flat to undulating course features several steady climbs and long, fast straights, making it a technically demanding race environment. Prominent landmarks such as the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and the Melville Koppies will be passed during the race.
Ultra-marathon sensation Gerda Steyn, known for her multiple victories in the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons, will make her presence felt in the Jozi SPAR Challenge. Steyn will lead a moment of silence to honor victims of gender-based violence, a cause she is passionate about. SPAR's commitment to creating a safer South Africa for women and girls is unwavering, with the company using its platform to drive awareness and inspire action.
According to Race Director Brad Glasspoole, four athletes, including Xaba, Sosibo, Selam Gebre, Karabo More, and Karabo Mailula, are still in contention for the overall Grand Prix title. The format of the Grand Prix means that only the best four races are counted for the final positions, giving athletes a chance to skip a race and still be in contention. Xaba's consistency and impressive form make her a strong contender for the title.
Sosibo's position at the top of the leaderboard is a testament to the value of consistency in the SPAR Grand Prix. Despite having no podium finishes, Sosibo has consistently finished in the top 10 in each race, earning maximum bonus points in three races and five bonus points in Gqeberha. Her strategy has allowed her to stay ahead of Xaba and Gebre in the standings.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi has sold out, with 15,000 women set to participate in the event. SPAR National PR, Communications, and Sponsorship Manager Mpudi Maubane emphasized the company's commitment to creating a safer South Africa for women and girls, highlighting the importance of using their platform to drive awareness and inspire action against gender-based violence.
Key points
- Glenrose Xaba needs a win at the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi to secure her fourth SPAR Grand Prix title.
- The 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi will feature 15,000 runners competing in the scenic 10km route at Marks Park Sports Club.
- Gerda Steyn will participate in the Jozi SPAR Challenge and lead a moment of silence to honor victims of gender-based violence.
