IN PHOTOS: Lowvelders crush it at the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Mbombela

The Lowveld buzzed with energy on Saturday July 13 as thousands of women joined together at the charming Lowveld Botanical Garden for the SPAR Women’s Challenge 2024.

This national race series, known for celebrating women’s strength and camaraderie, proved to be a resounding success in Mbombela.

The atmosphere at the botanical garden painted a clear picture.

From the starting line, filled with enthusiastic runners, to the cheers echoing through the garden as finishers crossed the line, the day was a testament to female empowerment and a love of running.

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The event offered both a 4.9km fun run and a 10km race, allowing runners of all abilities to participate. Many men and children also took part.

The botanical garden provided a stunning backdrop. The participants enjoyed the beauty of their natural surroundings while pushing their limits.

The age category winners were Nomvula Sithole (senior and overall), Janke Steenkamp (junior), Chantal Middel-Bovée (40-49), Madeleine Whitehair (50-59), Grace de Oliveira (60+) and Michelle Fourie (walker). Sithole, of LowMed, clocked a winning time of 00:38:50.

“We received such wonderful support and feedback from our Lowveld participants. The highlights for most people was the new location, live entertainment, activities for the kids and the goodie bags. We managed to raise R100 000 through the support of each participant who joined hands to make an impact for GRIP. Thank you to all of our sponsors for the goodies that participants received at the finish line. This year we hoped to cater to our community, as that is who we are as a brand,” said Bella Mogane, SPAR’s sponsorship and events co-ordinator. Congratulations to all the participants and thank you, SPAR, we appreciate your continued support. Our GRIP team had such a wonderful day on Saturday and the contribution towards GRIP is going to make a huge difference in the lives of survivors. My team has a renewed sense of energy and purpose,” said Tarryn Lokotsch, the CEO of GRIP.

After the race, the participants were pumped up with an aerobics session and live performances by Mathew Gold and Rubber Duc, who kept everyone jammed up for more fun.

With its well-organised execution, beautiful venue and enthusiastic participants, the Lowveld SPAR Women’s Challenge at the botanical garden was an undeniable success.

It is a safe bet that many will be marking their calendars for the 2025 edition, eager to experience this empowering event once again.