Johannesburg – Glenrose Xaba has rewritten the SPAR Grand Prix record books, collected a R320 000 payday and delivered a powerful message to the next generation of South African runners.
The Boxer Athletics Club star was the biggest winner at Tuesday’s SPAR Grand Prix Awards ceremony at The Venue Nine Yards in Parktown, Johannesburg, after becoming the first athlete to win the prestigious women’s 10km series four times.
Her record-breaking achievement came with a R210 000 overall winner’s cheque and another R110 000 for being the leading South African in the competition.
It was a fitting reward for a season in which Xaba demonstrated the consistency, resilience and competitive instinct that have made her one of the country’s outstanding road runners.
She finished with 119 points, five ahead of Ethiopian Selam Gebre of Nedbank, who collected R105 000 for second place.
Xaba’s teammate Karabo More completed the podium on 111 points, earning R155 000, including R75 000 for finishing as the second-best South African.
Xaba first won the Grand Prix in 2017, when international athletes were excluded, before claiming successive titles in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian Tadu Nare previously won the competition three times.
The 2026 campaign, which marked the series’ 19th anniversary, had its share of drama.
One of its defining moments came in Cape Town in March when Hollywood AC’s Tayla Kavanagh produced a perfectly timed finishing burst to pip Xaba over the final 500m.
The result sent shockwaves through the series, with Kavanagh’s victory opening the championship race and injecting fresh intrigue into the remaining contests.
Their rivalry had already gathered momentum in Tshwane and Gqeberha, where Kavanagh repeatedly challenged Xaba’s relentless pace.
The Cape Town finish brought raw emotion, celebrations and disappointment, followed by an explosion of social media debate.
Ultimately, Xaba’s consistency carried her to another historic title.
“I want to inspire young runners. I want them to think, if Glenrose can do it, so can I,” she said.
She paid tribute to her coach and mentor Violet, Caster Semenya and her grandmother, who watched her make history at the Johannesburg race.
Van Zyl, who finished eighth, acknowledged Xaba’s influence on the standard of women’s road running.
“We are all doing better because of Glenrose,” she said. “Standards are higher and there is greater competition.”
Boxer dominated the club competition with 872 points, comfortably ahead of Nedbank (337) and Hollywood (253).
The age-category champions were Mpho Katiso (junior), Este van Tonder (40-49), Elizabeth Potter (50-59) and Judy Bird (60-plus). Bird was particularly impressive, collecting 40 points after earning bonus points in every race. Each category winner received R11 000.
SPAR Group Head of PR, Sponsorship and Communications Mpudi Maubane confirmed that the company would continue sponsoring the awards next year, with preparations for the 2027 series already underway.
“Today, we celebrate history. We celebrate excellence. We celebrate her,” Maubane said.
She praised Xaba’s determination and consistency, while highlighting the importance of developing emerging South African talent.
The series also carries a wider social responsibility, using its five-city platform to raise awareness about gender-based violence and period poverty.
“Our ambition is not simply to see women cross finish lines, but to help create a society where every woman and girl can pursue her dreams without fear, barriers and limitations,” Maubane said.
Newly elected Athletics South Africa Acting President Jean Verster also applauded SPAR’s investment in women’s running.
“To SPAR, thank you for 36 years of believing in women, investing in their potential and providing a platform where their achievements can be celebrated.”
The series also delivered five lucky entrants a spectacular bonus, with one Hyundai EXTER, valued at R269 900, awarded at each of the five races. Hyundai has supported the competition for three years.
For Xaba, the 2026 season will be remembered for a record fourth crown, a substantial financial reward and a legacy that continues to gather momentum.
At 19 years, the SPAR Grand Prix has produced generations of champions. Xaba has now set a new benchmark for those chasing her footsteps.
