The SPAR Women’s Challenge is back for 2025, and this year, the aim is to inspire women to thrive; the national series kicks off in Cape Town this March!
Cape Town, South Africa (24 February 2025) – Calling all women, SPAR is hosting its annual Women’s Challenge once again, inspiring fitness, health checks and charity in one big, national event. The event kicks off in Cape Town this year on the 30th of March and will bring together 16,000 women.
The theme for this year is #Twenty20Thrive, with the idea to shed the old and embrace the new. As always, there are two levels for entrants: the 10km race and the 5km Fun Run. Both start and finish in Greenpoint, with the bulk of the race taking place along the beautiful Atlantic Seaboard.
“Our beautiful Mother City is the perfect place to host this event,” says Elsabe van Zyl-Felix, Advertising Manager for SPAR Western Cape and Namibia. “The theme encourages you to take what you have learned, what you have packed in, what you have discarded over the years, and take yourself, the version of you that you love, and do just that, move on – and thrive.”
Women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels are encouraged to enter either the 10km Run or Walk or the 5km Fun Run. More serious and elite athletes compete for substantial cash prizes in the categories of “Open, Juniors, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, 70 – 79 and 80+”, as well as earning points for the national SPAR Grand Prix Series awards. The race is focused on women but men can join the 5km Fun Run, however, they will not be eligible for the prize pool.
With fitness and community in mind, the charitable element is always a major factor for those entering. It’s a great way to unite in giving back. Each year, SPAR Western Cape use the funds raised to boost causes that women.
This year, via the SPAR Petals project, SPAR Western Cape will donate sanitary pads to two organisations, Against Period Poverty and the Boland Cricket Veterans’ Dignity Programme. As part of the Group’s End GBV campaign, the Saartjie Baartman Centre, based in Manenberg, will also benefit, as will Nonceba in Khayelitsha.
Going beyond raising funds, this year’s finish-line goody bags have even more meaningful elements. Upon entering the race, an entry pack containing the entrant’s race number, the very collectable SPAR t-shirt, a peak, and a race magazine is available for collection; at the finish line, each participant will be given a race medal, key ring and goody bag. It is with this bag that good things happened!
“This year we have commissioned the Alta du Toit Centre, which plays a valuable role in the all-inclusive care and development of adults with an intellectual disability, to pack our goody bags.” – Elsabe van Zyl-Felix
With all the things pre-race ready to go, entrants can look forward to performances from local artists such as rapper Snotkop and loads of prizes and giveaways on the day. Those who stay for the prize-giving after the run stand a chance to win a grand lucky draw prize of R 30,000 worth of SPAR vouchers, and there is even a Hyundai Exter up for grabs!
How to enter:
This year’s Western Cape event will see only 16,000 entrants taking part. Those wanting to enter can do so here. Entry is R180, and payments can be made online or at any Western Cape SUPERSPAR, SPAR or KWIKSPAR store.
Once you have entered, race entry packs will be made available and are to be collected at a selected Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Sean Komlosy, Regional Marketing Director SPAR Western Cape and Namibia, endorses the sentiment,
“Nationally the SPAR Group is committed to enabling healthier communities in South Africa. We focus our sponsorships and community support in three key areas: nutrition, education, and women’s empowerment.”
by 