Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba confirmed her dominance of the Spar Grand Prix Series when she powered to a commanding victory at the Jozi SPAR Women’s 10 km Challenge at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia on Sunday morning.
Her winning time was 33:07 on a tough hilly course as she left the rest of the field chasing shadows.
Ethiopian Diniya Abaraya (Nedbank) took second in 33:42, with Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) claiming third in 34:35.
Van Zyl blasted off the line like a sprinter on a mission, claiming the early lead before easing off and letting the real race unfold.
That’s when Xaba shifted gears, cruising alongside Abaraya and her Ethiopian teammate Selam Gebre. By the six-kilometre mark, though, the South African star had dropped the hammer, running solo, smooth, and in total control.
Glenrose Xaba cruising to victory at the Spar Women’s Jozi 10k Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
“Irvette got us to a very fast start, and I am grateful for that. Then Selam and Diniya forced the pace until about four kilometres,” said Xaba.
“From six kilometres, I just focused on my splits and on my own running,” she said.
“I am very happy to be the first South African to win all five SPAR Grand Prix races this year, and to have won the SPAR Grand Prix for the third time.”
It was the perfect finish to a perfect season with five wins and a third Grand Prix crown that cemented Xaba’s superiority of the Spar Series.
The 30-year-old secured R30 000 for the race win, R300 000 for the overall title, and received the keys to brand-new Hyundai as part of her rewards.
Her clean sweep also saw her surpass Rene Kalmer’s long-standing record of four consecutive victories.
The national 10km record holder now shifts her focus beyond local roads, eyeing a packed international calendar that includes a half marathon in Lisbon before lining up for the prestigious Valencia Marathon on 7 December.
There, she hopes not only to better her own South African marathon record of 2:22:22 but to dip under the elusive 2:20 barrier.
“My goal is to run under 2:20 in Valencia,” she said.
“If the weather plays along, I know I can deliver a fast time.”
Abaraya, who’s been closing the gap all season, was proud of her performance despite the Jozi course testing every muscle.
“I had a good race today, although I found the hills very challenging,” she said.
Van Zyl, back on the podium and smiling through the sweat, was just happy to feel competitive again.
Irvette van Zyl showed her trademark grit and tenacity. Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
“I went into the race with no expectations. I felt horrible yesterday and even wondered if I would be able to run. I just wanted to do my best.”
The veteran, a three-time SPAR Grand Prix champion herself, also tipped her hat to Xaba for raising the bar.
“Glenrose has given everyone the belief that they can do better, and I think the international athletes will soon struggle to win the SPAR Grand Prix again,” said Van Zyl.
Meanwhile, ultra-distance legend Gerda Steyn, usually queen of the ultra marathons, used the race as a high-speed tune-up for the upcoming Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. She finished 11th, smiling and steady.
Gerda Steyn at the finish of the Spar Jozi 10K Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
“I always look forward to the SPAR Women’s Jozi race,” she said.
“I love the vibe and the experience of running in a women’s only race. I find lining up with thousands of other women inspirational.”
The race attracted a whopping sold-out 12,000 women , pounding the streets in the 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run. Among them was Deputy Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Peace Mabe, who praised the event’s wider impact.
JOHANNESURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 05: during the 2025 SPAR Womens Grand Prix 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at Marks Park Sports Club on October 05, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images)
“It’s only through sponsorship that women’s sports will flourish,” she said.
“I would like to congratulate SPAR for their support for women’s road running and netball, but also for their campaigns to end gender-based violence and period poverty.”
