Winner of SPAR Grand Prix title celebrates

Glenrose Xaba made headlines on Sunday as she clinched the SPAR Grand Prix title with an impressive victory in the Johannesburg SPAR 10km Women’s Challenge, finishing in a remarkable time of 00:32:48.

This triumph marks Xaba’s fourth win in the SPAR Women’s Challenge series this year, solidifying her status as a top competitor.

In a thrilling race, three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion Tadu Nare, from Nedbank, secured second place with a time of 00:34:00, while her Ethiopian teammate, Diniya Kedir Abaraya, followed closely in third at 00:34:14.

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The trio ran together for the initial 6km, but Xaba showcased her strength and endurance by surging ahead to run the remainder of the race solo.

With this victory, Xaba becomes the first South African to win the SPAR Grand Prix title since international runners were allowed to compete in 2019.

“I am very happy to have won the SPAR Grand Prix again,” Xaba expressed after her victory.

“I made many sacrifices to win, including not trying to qualify for the Olympic Games. My coaches, Caster Semenya and Violet Semenya, persuaded me that there was a bigger picture.”

Reflecting on the race, she noted the challenging terrain, stating, “It was tough, with several difficult hills. I knew it was going to be a fast race today. The competition has been very good.”

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Nare, who finished second, highlighted the significance of their achievements for both themselves and their running club.

“Coming in second and third is a big achievement for us and for the club,” she said.

“Considering all the sacrifices we have made and the support we have received, this is our way of saying thank you to our sponsors and to be the best we can be.”

Abaraya, who has previously won the junior category of the SPAR Grand Prix, remarked on the lessons learned from her experienced competitors, stating, “This year has been one of the best and most challenging of my life.

“I have learnt so much from Tadu and Glenrose, but I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.”

Multiple ultra-marathon champion Gerda Steyn, who finished in sixth place, shared her excitement for the evolving standards in South African women’s running.

“I am so excited to see how standards have improved,” Steyn said.

“In 2018, I finished second in the Jozi SPAR Women’s Challenge with a slower time than today. The addition of international runners has helped to push South Africans, and I’m thrilled about the emerging talent.”

Xaba’s coach, double Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya, praised her protégé for her dedication and discipline.

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“She’s determined, disciplined and willing to take instruction,” Semenya said.

“I expect big things of her in the future.”

Looking ahead, Xaba is set to compete in the Cape Town Marathon on October 19, where many anticipate she may break the national record.

However, she remains grounded, stating, “I have no expectations but plan to enjoy my first marathon.”
With her recent achievements, Xaba is certainly a name to watch in the coming events.