Durban North runners reflect on ‘SPAR’kling 10km record

WITH 207 races between them, Durban North residents Janene Carey and Grace de Oliveira recently celebrated their 101st and 106th races respectively at the PMB SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in August.

That incredible record could extend for both runners as there are two more SPAR Women’s 10km Challenges, one in Gqeberha this month and another in Johannesburg in October.

In fact, de Oliveira already holds the record for most SPAR 10km races completed by an athlete to date.
In a running career spanning 41 years, de Oliveira has also completed 10 Comrades Marathons (seven gold medals and three silver) and 13 Two Oceans Marathons.

Also read: Mirror Worlds Championships sets sail for Durban in 2025

“I started running in 1983 when I got married. My husband, Eloi, was already an established good runner, and I decided to join him. He discovered that I had some talent which could be developed, and he has coached me ever since. During a span of many years, we were the top running couple in the country, always making the provincial teams together to compete at the national championships,” the Maxed Elite Running Club member said.

The local resident also touched on her recent milestones of surpassing a century of SPAR Women’s 10km races.

“I am extremely proud of myself and even prouder that my dear friend, Janene Carey, has now joined me in that milestone. Janene and I have been running together for many years, and I am so happy to share this accolade with her. Janene is quite a few years younger than me, and I have no doubt that, in time, she will surpass my record, and when that time comes, I will be the happiest person to celebrate with her. My most special race was the Gqeberha (PE) SPAR race in May last year when I completed my 100th race. There was such a big celebration for me, and they even laid down a red carpet at the finish for me to run across. There was also a huge cake with 100 on it, which I had to cut, and everybody could enjoy a piece,” she recalled.

Also read: Former Olympian and Durban North resident reflects on historic Golden moment

Carey, who represents Boxer Athletics Club, ran her first SPAR Women’s 10km in Durban more than 30 years ago.

She also paid tribute to her friend and role model, De Oliveira.

“Grace is a longtime role model and now a really special friend. Celebrating ‘victories’ with Grace is incredibly meaningful. We share so many experiences, and I will always look up to her and her achievements.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here