SPAR South Africa Announces Grand Prix Series for 2025

SPAR South Africa has announced the 2025 Grand Prix series starting in Cape Town, featuring five races for elite runner engagement. Hyundai has joined as the national vehicle sponsor, enhancing the series’ focus on women empowerment. Glenrose Xaba aims for a notable third title in the competition. The series also addresses gender-based violence and period poverty, promoting health and equality. Entries for the Women’s Challenges are now open.

The SPAR Grand Prix series for 2025 has been officially announced, commencing with the inaugural race in Cape Town. This series includes five races that bring together Africa’s top runners, offering them an opportunity to accumulate valuable points, as well as various cash prizes for different finishing positions. In addition, junior runners will have a chance to compete for an overall prize, derived from the results of three designated races.

In a noteworthy collaboration, Hyundai Automotive South Africa has been appointed as the national vehicle sponsor for this year’s series. Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, the CEO, emphasized that “women empowerment is an integral part of Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s business philosophy,” aligning with the essence of the SPAR Grand Prix series as a critical sporting event that promotes women in athletics.

Glenrose Xaba made history in 2024 by becoming the first South African to secure the Grand Prix award since its opening to international competition in 2019. Having previously won this title in 2018, she aims to join the ranks of esteemed athletes like Rene Kalmer and Tadu Nare with three victories. Xaba expressed her pride, stating, “To have won it twice is a career highlight for sure. To be referred to as a defending champion is surreal.”

Mpudi Maubane, SPAR South Africa’s National PR, Communications and Sponsorship Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the new season, highlighting the series’ role in promoting not just competition but also women’s empowerment and health. The SPAR Women’s Challenges serve as a platform for women to invest in their health while fighting against societal inequalities.

Furthermore, each race within the series supports SPAR South Africa’s commitment to combatting gender-based violence and addressing period poverty by 2030. This initiative aims to raise awareness and provide vital support to organizations working on these critical issues, thereby enhancing both physical and social wellbeing for women throughout South Africa.

Interested participants can enter the five SPAR Women’s Challenges at www.spar.run. SPAR South Africa, founded in 1963, operates various retail formats, including SPAR supermarkets and KWIKSPAR convenience stores, predominantly through sub-licensing to independent retailers.

The announcement of the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix series marks a significant event in South Africa’s sports calendar, reinforcing the importance of women’s empowerment in sport. The collaboration with Hyundai Automotive signifies a commitment to fostering female participation in athletics, while the incorporation of social initiatives highlights SPAR South Africa’s broader objectives. The series promises numerous opportunities for both athletes and societal engagement, contributing to the overall well-being of women in the region.

Original Source: spar-international.com