SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane Supports Women and Girls

Photo Credit: SPAR Women's Challenge

The 2025 SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane brought 17,000 participants together while helping 4,000 girls stay in school and supporting organisations making a difference across the region.

Pretoria, South Africa (03 August 2026) – Thousands of women came together to run, walk, celebrate and support meaningful causes at the 2025 SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane, proving that the impact of the popular event stretches far beyond the finish line.

The sold-out challenge brought 17,000 participants to the streets around SuperSport Park in Centurion during Women’s Month, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, encouragement and community spirit. But while participants were making their way around the route, they were also helping to create positive change for women and girls across the region.

One of the biggest highlights was the continued fight against period poverty.

Through the SPAR End Period Poverty campaign and the support of participants who contributed to the sanitary pad donation drive, 4,000 girls will receive enough sanitary products to help them stay in school for another month.

The initiative forms part of SPAR’s goal to help end period poverty by 2030 and addresses one of the barriers that can prevent girls from attending school regularly.

“Empowerment starts with dignity,” says Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager at SPAR South Africa. “By tackling challenges like period poverty and supporting GBV prevention programmes, we are making bold strides toward a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.”

The event also raised more than R350,000 through the My SPAR My Community campaign. The funds were donated to organisations supporting women and communities through initiatives focused on early childhood development, education, gender-based violence prevention and burn victim care at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

There was plenty to celebrate on the day, both on and off the road.

Glenrose Xaba claimed top honours in the women’s 10km race and received R43,000 in prize money. A total of R195,500 was awarded to female athletes, recognising the talent and hard work of women competing at the highest level.