#SPARJoburgRace: Sonja Laxton – a SPAR race legend
MELROSE – Local running legend shares some tips ahead of her 97th SPAR Women's Race.
Sonja Laxton (70) is preparing to run her 97th SPAR Women’s Race.
When 7 October comes and 16 000 runners hit the streets around Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia, there will be no one on the starting line as experienced as her.
The Melrose resident revealed at the media launch of the SPAR Women’s Race Joburg that she had been running SPAR Women’s Races since they started in 1991.
Not one for the 5km fun run/walk, Laxton will contend for a top-10 finish in the 60+ years category in the 10km challenge.
“In years gone by I used to always win the 60+ but this year I fell and have not done well in the races since,” she said.
“Next year I will be better.”
Laxton advised runners who will do their first SPAR Women’s Race to ‘not overdo it’.
“Joburg is a lovely run. I would say just enjoy it. Run at a pace you can hold or increase, and enjoy the scenery.”
The race is always held in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supports Reach for Recovery – a breast cancer support group that helps women with breast cancer return to daily life through providing free support as well as providing a prosthesis service.
Last year, R60 000 was raised for the group.
Pre-entries (before 25 September) for the 5km run/walk and 10km challenge are R100, with a temporary licence for the 10km costing R20. Late entries (from 4 October) cost R110, with the licence costing R20 for the 10km.
Either enter online at www.sparjoburgrace.co.za or pay a visit to a SPAR, SUPERSPAR or sports stores listed on the same website.
The first 16 000 pre-entries will receive one-size-fits-all T-shirts. The first 16 000 finishers will each receive a medal and goodie bag.
Will you be at the SPAR Women’s Race Joburg? Tell us what you are looking forward to about the race in the comments below.
Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/237994/watch-drop-pair-show-care-spar-womens-race-joburg/
