The Spar Grand Prix just got bigger and better
JOBURG – Spar Grand Prix runners will have more prize money up for grabs this year.
Two changes are coming to the Spar Grand Prix, which will make the series even bigger and better than before.
Joburg will host the last of the six races on 7 October.
Firstly, this year, the prize money is being bumped up. First place will receive R185 000, which is R12 000 more than last year. The runner-up will receive R60 000 and third place will take R35 000.
Cash prizes will also be available for the other runners who finish in the top 15. Runners earn points at each of the six races held across South Africa.
These are in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
However, to decrease the risk of injuries, organisers have also decided that junior runners will no longer earn points from the Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg events towards the junior category.
“We were asking too much of our young athletes with possible injuries,” said Spar Grand Prix coordinator, Ian Laxton.
“This does not mean that the junior runners may not run in those races – they can still compete for points in the open category, but those two races will not count towards the Junior Grand Prix.”
Also see: SPAR Women’s Race: See if you can spot yourself!
Once again, former Spar Grand Prix winners Mapaseka Makhanya and René Kalmer have been named ambassadors for the series.
“They [the races] introduce so many women to the joys of road running and the atmosphere at the races is always so good,” said Kalmer.
“I have been running Spar races since my early teens and I will continue to run them as long as I can.”
Makhanya said she too felt honoured to be an ambassador for the series.
“What I love about the series is the way everyone mixes with everyone else,” she said.
“Women and girls of all ages, all shapes and sizes, walkers and runners enjoy an opportunity to get fit.”
The opening race will take place in Bellville, Cape Town, on 25 March.
Afterwards, races will be held in Port Elizabeth on 5 May, Durban on 24 June, Pretoria on 4 August, Pietermaritzburg on 19 August and Joburg on 7 October.
Also read: Spar awards top finishers in 2017 Spar Women’s Challenge
