The 2022 edition of the SPAR Grand Prix Joburg proved fiercely contested as ever. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The SPAR Grand Prix Joburg delivered yet another day of tears, drama, emotional displays of comradeship and, as always, truly incredible achievements.
Tadu Nare won the 10km race at Marks Park Sports Club on October 2 in a fantastic time of 33:32 to become virtually assured of winning the six-leg series when the final arrives in Cape Town on October 23.
Tadu Nare of Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia, thanks SPAR for the opportunity to run. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
There, she only has to finish within nine places of Selam Gerbe to defend her series title.
At 42 years old, 2019 winner Helalia Johannes was particularly impressive. She recovered after a fall at the start to finish second in 34:07 in a race where the next oldest runner in the top 10 was 30 years old.
Ivan van Wyk with mom René Kalmer and sister Karli van Wyk celebrate another SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Indeed, 23 years separated Johannes from the 19-year-old Gerbe (34:12), though age was not the only notable observation in this run –nationality was as well.
The junior category winners are Karabo Motsoeneng (second), Selam Gebre (first) and Li-Mari Dekker (third). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The top three finishers were from Ethiopia, Namibia and Ethiopia respectively, and all from Nedbank Running Club with Boxer Athletics Club’s Glenrose Xaba in fourth, the first South African to cross the line, in 34:25.
Only two other runners in the top 10 were South African – the rest from Ethiopia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Glenrose Xaba of Boxer Athletic Club was fourth to finish, and the first South African home. For this she was awarded R10 000 by SPAR. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
But the majority of runners on the day were not there to compete and there were hundreds of them.
One of the runners begins her second loop of the route. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
They enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere and laughs with MCs Arnold Geerdts and Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp.
Reuben Stoop and mom Christine Kalmer celebrate another SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The weather was lovely, jacaranda trees were in bloom and the picturesque streets of Emmarentia were a joy to run on the two-lap route.
The top runners: Selam Gebre (third), Tadu Nare (first) and Helalia Johannes (second). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“Thank you for the opportunity to run, I am very happy and excited to be the winner,” Nare said through her translator at the media briefing after the run.
Runners compete in the annual SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“I ran a half marathon in Denmark last week and I was still tired after that so I thought Helalia would win. But with a kilometre to go, I just made my break and went for it.”
The overall winners Helalia Johannes (second), Tadu Nare (first) and Selam Gebre (third). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Gebre said given a few more metres she might have beaten Johannes.
“It was a very close finish and I was pushing myself as hard as I could,” she said.
Tadu Nare wins this year’s SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“Just a few more metres and I could have taken it.”
Xaba has run several races this year and so was proud to bag fourth position in such a competitive time.
“It was not easy after such a long season and I am tired,” she said.
MCs Arnold Geerdts and Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp entertain at the race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
She was awarded R10 000 by SPAR for being the first South African to cross the line.
Mapaseka Makhanya attends the press briefing as she has made a return to running. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
A late entry to the race, Mapaseka Makhanya was a welcome face at the press briefing, where she discussed her recent return to running.
Runners cheer on the winners at prize-giving. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“During Covid-19, I lost my dad so since 2019 I have only recently returned to running,” she said.
Tadu Nare leads the pack with Helalia Johnnes (left) and Selam Gebre (right) behind her. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“I have to thank the organisers for taking me in last-minute. Running brings me joy. It feels like I belong here.”
Mapaseka Makhanya attends the press briefing as she has made a return to running. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Runners cheer on the winners at prize-giving. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Tadu Nare leads the pack with Helalia Johnnes (left) and Selam Gebre (right) behind her. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Verushka Adams, Hlezi Dhlamini, Zandile Masondo and Bathini Tsele run to stay fit and have fun. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The overall winners Helalia Johannes (second), Tadu Nare (first) and Selam Gebre (third). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Yeolandi Greyson and René Kalmer share a hug after the run. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Tadu Nare wins this year's SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Selam Gebre of Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia was almost five minutes ahead of the next junior runner. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Runners compete in the annual SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The 2022 edition of the SPAR Grand Prix Joburg proved fiercely contested as ever. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Reuben Stoop and mom Christine Kalmer celebrate another SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The top runners: Selam Gebre (third), Tadu Nare (first) and Helalia Johannes (second). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
One of the runners begins her second loop of the route. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
SPAR Grand Prix coordinator, Ian Laxton says there is still a very small chance of Selam Gebre winning. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Ivan van Wyk with mom René Kalmer and sister Karli van Wyk celebrate another SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The junior category winners are Karabo Motsoeneng (second), Selam Gebre (first) and Li-Mari Dekker (third). Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Tadu Nare rests and prays after winning this year's SPAR Grand Prix Joburg race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Glenrose Xaba of Boxer Athletic Club was fourth to finish, and the first South African home. For this she was awarded R10 000 by SPAR. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Tadu Nare of Nedbank Running Club Ethiopia, thanks SPAR for the opportunity to run. Photo: Nicholas Zaal