SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge comes to Golden Harvest Park
SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge partners with parkrun to add to the vibe at Golden Harvest Park.
The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge saw parks all over South Africa speckled with blue, as the event partnered with parkrun to see thousands of women exercise in their local green spaces.
Randburg’s largest park, Golden Harvest Park, was especially filled with cheers, laughter and shouts of encouragement on a warm and sunny September 3.
The theme #IRise was fitting, for not one SPAR woman or dog that ran with her failed to show strength and determination, and finish the 5km run/walk in good time.
“I always do the SPAR race and even though it is virtual it is still lots of fun,” said Constance Kawesha.
“It is my first time at this park and it really is lovely.”
Mamokete Makhubo said since it is a women’s run just outside of Women’s Month, she simply had to support it.
The route was a bit challenging but she is no stranger to Golden Harvest Park parkrun, having completed about 30 herself.
“This is our fourth SPAR run,” said Linda Vownsborough and Sherri-Lee Ruscoe.
“We did it because of how it will support charity. This was the first year they partnered with parkrun and it is a tough route but it was well-organised and popular. Great vibe.”
Parkrun regional ambassador Kim MacCallum was on hand to congratulate the runners as they came in.
She thanked the SPAR ladies and said they would be welcome back any Saturday.
Nationwide, all 60 000 entries were sold out. Participants ran, walked or jogged any distance or route they chose today.
Entrants received a race pack with unique blue T-shirts, that made them easily identifiable.
There were a number of prizes available to participants who shared photos and stories of themselves on social media, including a hot air balloon trip and running smartwatch.
Their entry fees will be used to help SPAR’s Petals Project, in partnership with various charities across the country, to donate packs of sanitary pads that will help keep girls in school.
Related Article:
SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge goes physical with Parkrun SA
