Spar women’s challenge ‘the most beautiful road race’

THE Spar Women’s Challenge, the second race of the national five race Grand Prix series run around the country and one of the highlights on Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism and athletics calendar, takes place this Sunday.

The annual event which brings women, girls, and sometimes men masquerading as women, together on the road, is set to be another winner, said organisers who last year saw the race break its own record of 9520 entries.

“Top runners love running this particular race because the route is so beautiful. The Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront is one of the premier esplanades in South Africa and a great location for this race,” said Race Promoter Bruce Davidson from The BLD Group.

“The event is growing in size, year by year and forms a very important part of the national Spar Grand prix series which now is attracting runners to Nelson Mandela Bay from all corners of South Africa due to its popularity.”

The city’s tourism officials are also excited about the growth of the event as it bodes well for the city. “Nelson Mandela Bay is really one of the best destinations in the country for sports tourism,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s chief executive. “We are safe, clean, don’t have a lot of traffic and have stunning picturesque routes that showcase our diversity, from surf to turf.

“It’s for this reason that many top sporting events have trusted our city to deliver top notch sports events. The SpecSavers Ironman South Africa is one prime international example and we have also just been awarded the contract to host the IRB World Sevens Series rugby for the next five years. Of course, the Spar Women’s Challenge is also up there, bringing in to the city over five times the number of Ironman participants.”

Many of South Africa’s elite runners, like Irvette van Blerk, Zintle Xiniwe and Mpho Mabuza will take part on Saturday. In addition to vying for top honours, they will also be trying to earn points for the Spar Grand Prix, now in its fifth year.  “The winner of the Grand Prix, after all five Challenge races have been completed, will pocket a handsome R60 000, with the runner-up taking home R30 000. The first 20 on the leaderboard all win cash prizes,” said Davidson.
 
While competition at the top end of the race is fierce, the race is also all about the thousands of women and girls who take part just for the fun of it. Many take up road-running more seriously after taking part in the Challenge, but for many others it is a once a year event that they look forward to.

Adding to the vibe of the 2011 race is Top Billing’s presenter, Jeannie D, who will MC the race, as well as local boy band, Escape, who will have everyone moving to their funky beat. Carol-Ann Kelleher and Charlton Tobias from AlgoaFM’s Morning Show will also be a part of the crowd on the road.

“Proceeds of the race will go to Yokhuselo Haven, which provides safety and shelter for abused women and their children, and so provides another incentive for ladies from all over Nelson Mandela Bay to don their trainers and hit the streets,” added Davidson.

Skefile also wished the participants an thrilling race and a wonderful stay in Nelson Mandela Bay.

What are you waiting for?  Get ready to enjoy the friendliest day of the year in the most beautiful race. Registration will open on Thursday 5 May at Kings Beach. For more info visit www.spar.co.za.