The streets of Jozi were filled with women, wonder and warriors of change as the SPAR Women’s Challenge returned for the first in-person event since the pandemic!
Johannesburg (02 October 2023) — On Sunday, 1 October 2023, Johannesburg witnessed a gathering of optimism and spirit as 9,000 participants flooded the streets for the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi, conquering both the 5km fun run and 10km races.
After three years of virtual presentations because of the challenges posed by the pandemic, this year’s live event marked a triumphant return that filled the streets with united women, runners and smiles, all three of which will contribute to future smiles!
“It’s with immense gratitude that we acknowledge that this year’s race is ‘live’ again after three years of presenting it virtually, a period when the Covid-19 pandemic challenged us in ways we never could have imagined. Your resilience and enthusiasm for the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi shine brightly.”— Charleen Goschen, Divisional Marketing Director for SPAR South Rand, expressing her gratitude.
Irvette Van Zyl was the first South African to cross the finish line. Like the event, she too made a triumphant return after a prolonged injury.
Expressing her joy, the champion shared: “I am so happy to be back and to be enjoying my running again. I am now running pain-free for the first time in ages.”
Her joy echoes that of the entire day where smiles would beget more smiles. This year’s #4Smiles campaign supports the Smile Foundation and Reach for Recovery, contributing much-needed donations to these charitable organisations.
Having the charities present to receive the donations further enhanced the feel-good spirit this race has become known for.
A big congratulations also goes to the elite athletes who participated in the final leg of the SPAR Grand Prix for 2023.
This follows a series of successful events across South Africa from Gqeberha to Tshwane, all of which have made a difference for communities in our country simply by putting one foot in front of the other.
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