Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba hit the jackpot at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards in Midrand on Tuesday, pocketing R300 000 after storming to her third overall series victory.
The 31-year-old Boxer star and South African 10km record-holder made history as the first black South African to claim the title three times. She joins legends Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, and Tadu Nare in the elite club of triple winners.
Xaba dominated the 2025 season, winning all five SPAR Grand Prix races to secure R165 000 in race winnings, plus R200 000 for the overall title and another R100 000 as the top South African finisher.
Glenrose Xaba triple Spar Grand Prix champion. Photo’s: Greg Caldecott
“I hope young black girls will be inspired by what I have achieved,” said Xaba.
“I want to thank my coach, Violet Semenya, and my mentor, Caster Semenya, who both believed in me.”
She now turns her focus to the Valencia Marathon on December 7, her next big test on the international stage.
SPAR’s National PR, Sponsorship and Communications Manager, Mpudi Maubane, confirmed that the retailer will continue backing the series in 2026.
“SPAR is committed to improving the lives of women,” she said.
“This series empowers women through sport while promoting campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.”
Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya and Salem Gebre finished second and third in the series, with South Africans Karabo Mailula and Karabo More rounding out the top five.
Hyundai, a series co-sponsor, also celebrated women’s achievements by giving away five Exter SUVs, one at each race.
“Glenrose Xaba’s tenacity is a reminder that greatness is earned kilometre by kilometre,” said Hyundai CEO Stanley Anderson.
The 2026 SPAR Grand Prix calendar will be unveiled early next year, and Xaba looks ready to chase yet another lap of history.
SPAR Grand Prix Top The top three finishers of the 2025 SPAR Grand Prix are from left Salem Gebre (Ethiopia) in third place, winner Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) and third placed Diniya Abaraya (Ethiopia). The 2025 SPAR Grand Prix Awards were held in Midrand,
