Glenrose Xaba clinched the SPAR Grand Prix title on Sunday with a win in the Johannesburg SPAR 10km Women’s Challenge, finishing in 32:48.
This marks her fourth SPAR Women’s Challenge win this year. Three-time SPAR Grand Prix winner Tadu Nare finished second in 34:00, followed by teammate Diniya Abaraya in 34:14.
After running together for six kilometres, Xaba surged ahead to claim victory, becoming the first South African to win the title since 2019.
Xaba, coached by Caster and Violet Semenya, expressed joy over her victory, acknowledging sacrifices made, including forgoing Olympic qualification.
Nare praised Xaba’s growth, while Abaraya shared her admiration for her competitors, saying this year was both rewarding and challenging.
Gerda Steyn, who placed sixth, celebrated the rising standards in the race, crediting international competitors for pushing local athletes.
Semenya lauded Xaba’s discipline, predicting a bright future. Xaba is set to run the Cape Town Marathon on October 19, with many anticipating a record-breaking performance, though she plans to enjoy her debut marathon.
