The pioneering race of the SPAR Women’s Challenge is back. The Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge – the original iconic race in this hugely popular national series – returns to the streets of Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 23 August.
Entries for this year’s event are now open online, with the limit capped at 4,000 participants. The main race, the more challenging 10km is now only open to women, but men are welcome to support their friends and family by joining in the shorter 5km event. Both distances will set off at 8am, with the routes “out-and-back” starting in Princess Margaret Drive and finishing at The Oval, Cricket Stadium.
For teams of ten or more wanting to enter, a team leader will need to coordinate the group, by booking for them electronically. Bulk entries close on Monday 10 August and individual online entries close on Monday 17 August (or once the entry limit is reached).
Entries cost R200 for both distances. If a temporary license is required for the 10km race, this will need to purchased for R60 during the online entry process.
This year participants will need to collect their Race Packs at a participating SPAR store. During the online entry process, participants must select a SPAR store closest to them, where they will collect their race pack which includes a race bib and T-shirt. Eight stores will be the pick-up points in and around Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 22 August from 10am to 4pm only. The Collection Points are:
SUPERSPAR Greendale
SUPERSPAR Mega Edendale
SUPERSPAR Mega Parklane
SUPERSPAR Mills
SUPERSPAR Northway
SUPERSPAR Hilton Quarry
SPAR Nottingham Road
SPAR Breland (Dalton)
Every finisher will receive their race medal and their Goodie Bag after they have completed their run.
For the more serious runners, prize giving starts at 10.30am followed by the usual fantastic lucky draws.
This year the race charity is Dlalanathi, an organisation that provides psycho-social support for children facing trauma, through play by training and supporting care-givers.
Given that Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane all sold out ahead of their entry closing dates, early entry is strongly advised.
To enter: visit https://sparwomenschallenge.co.za/Maritzburg/
