More Entries, More Excitement for 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge

Photo Credit: Leon Hugo

The 33rd edition of the popular race will combine fitness, fun and empowerment while shining a spotlight on women making a difference in their communities.

Gqeberha, South Africa (18 June 2026) – The SPAR Women’s Challenge is set to return to Gqeberha on 26 September with more participants, more opportunities and an even stronger focus on celebrating women from all walks of life.

Launched on Youth Day at SUPERSPAR Waterfront in Humerail, organisers confirmed that the entry cap for the 33rd edition of the event has been increased to 6 000 participants after last year’s race sold out.

Taking place at Pollok Beach, the popular all-women event will once again feature 5km and 10km race options, while organisers have introduced additional opportunities for differently abled athletes, who can now enter either the 250m wheelchair race or the 5km event.

This year’s theme, #CelebrateHer, ties in with SPAR’s broader #EndGBV and #EndPeriodPoverty campaigns, placing women and their stories at the heart of the event.

SPAR Eastern Cape advertising manager Roseann Shadrach says they look to celebrate the impact women make in their communities.

“We are celebrating our women for the impact they make in our community. The message to those who had survived gender-based violence and fought their way out of a dark place was that they were being seen and celebrated.”

Every entrant will also receive a race shirt, goodie bag and scrunchie. For the first time, these items are being produced by the Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) in Nelson Mandela Bay.

She added that SPAR Eastern Cape’s support of the organisation reflects confidence in the work they do.

To make registration more accessible, the online entry system available at SPAR till points across the province will once again be offered, helping participants who may not have reliable internet access.

Beyond the race itself, organisers say the SPAR Women’s Challenge remains a celebration of community, empowerment and the thousands of women who continue to inspire those around them every day.