There are only a few days left to enter the SPAR Women’s Challenge which for the first time in three years will be completely free of Covid-19 restrictions.
Gqeberha’s legendary run in the sun takes place at Pollok Beach on May 27 and prospective participants have until midnight on Friday, May 19, to enter online at www.sparwomensrace.co.za.
Entries cost R150 for the 10km and R70 for the 5km.
Runners and walkers can also obtain entry forms from SPAR stores. Alternatively, they can call on The Footballer, Brian Bands and Action Sports in Gqeberha and UD Sports in Uitenhage.
Late entries can be done at the race venue between 9am and 6pm from Tuesday, May 23, to Friday, May 26.
If the build-up to race day is anything to go by, the thousands making their way down to the beachfront next Saturday are in for something special.
For the past month some of the city’s most-loved media personalities have been talking up the Women’s Challenge on radio and via their social media platforms.
Umholobo Wenene’s Mafa Bavuma, Kingfisher FM’s Shereez Hartzenburg, Tru FM’s Sinazo Yolwa and The Herald’s Luchae Williams have also been out and about promoting the Eastern Cape leg of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Road Race around Nelson Mandela Bay.
SPAR Women’s Challenge ambassadors, from left, SPAR Eastern Cape advertising manager Roseann Shadrach, Kingfisher FM’s Shereez Hartzenburg, Umhlobo Wenene’s Mafa Bavuma and The Herald’s Luchae Williams have been out and about drumming up support for the race. Photo: Leon Hugo
“After a three-year hiatus we are delighted that the event is once again being held at Pollok Beach,” said SPAR Eastern Cape advertising manager Roseann Shadrach, who hoped to see women lining up in their thousands.
A portion of funds raised will be donated to two organisations going above and beyond to help adults and children with autism.
Autism Eastern Cape and the Umphanda Foundation for Autism, both based in Gqeberha, will use the money to bolster their programmes which are giving hundreds of families hope.
Shadrach said the theme of #4Smiles had the underlying message of supporting each other, particularly as the world recovers from the impact of the pandemic.
Besides entering for a good cause, another reason to do so is to stand the chance of winning some amazing lucky draw prizes. One participant can take home groceries for a year valued at R30 000.
There are also incentives for schools, athletics clubs, university residences and businesses to enter the most participants. Walmer Athletics Club can be contacted on 063 666 3518 to submit bulk entries.
As much as the Virtual Women’s Challenge at the height of the pandemic was heaps of fun, the return of the event as it should be promises to be a grand occasion.
The race village will be abuzz with activity as the entertainment programme and food trucks make for a memorable family day out.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge incorporates the Grand Prix series for elite athletes, which means supporters will have plenty of stars to cheer on.