Publications
Partners
It is rare to hear or see 21 000 women gathered in one place, but on Sunday, April 2, they will be competing in the Spar Grand Prix Cape Town Women’s Challenge at the Mother City’s Green Point Stadium.
Two of South Africa’s most popular road runners, Mapaseka Makhanya and Rene Kalmer, have been named patrons of the Grand Prix this year.
Both are former Grand Prix winners, with Kalmer having won the title three times and Makhanya once.
Kalmer gave birth to daughter Karli less than two weeks ago, and is not expected to take part in any of the races before the Durban Challenge in June, while Makhanya is making her way back into contention after a series of injuries.
“I feel honoured to be a patron of the Spar Grand Prix,” said Kalmer.
“I’ve been unable to run for nearly a year, first because of a hip injury, and then because I was pregnant. So, I’m happy that I’m still able to be part of the Spar Women’s Challenge Series.”
Makhanya said she was excited about the changes that have been made to the Grand Prix.
These include the addition of the Pietermaritzburg race on August 20, which joins Cape Town (April 2), Nelson Mandela Bay (May 6), Durban (June 11), Pretoria (August 5) and Johannesburg (October 8) as races where elite runners are able to acquire Grand Prix points.
Grand Prix money has also been increased substantially, with the winner being awarded R173 000. There will also be cash incentives for winners who meet target times.
“I’m particularly excited that the Grand Prix is now open to non-South Africans, and I’m so happy for Rutendo [Nyahora]. She is going to make life tough for the rest of us who are trying to win Grand Prix points,” said Makhanya.
“I am excited about being named a patron of the Grand Prix. It is a big honour, and I know I will have to be a role model for other runners.”
Kalmer said the Spar Challenge races had been important for the development of road running in South Africa.
“I ran my first Spar race when I was 13, and they have played an important role in my development as an athlete. I think many runners have discovered the joy of running after taking part in one of the Spar races.
“At the top level, competition is tight – you used to be able to win the race with a time of 35 minutes – now you might not even make the top 20 with a time like that,” she said.
“Because there are five – and now six – races in the Grand Prix, you are motivated throughout the year.”
Makhanya said it was particularly fulfilling to run in races designed specifically for women.
“The atmosphere of the Spar races is special. I can’t wait to get going with this year’s chase,” said Makhanya.
For the first time, non-South Africans are eligible to accumulate Grand Prix points, which is good news for Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora, who has been one of the most consistent top 10 runners in the series for the past few years.
Irvette van Zyl won the 2016 Spar Grand Prix for the third time.
