Emma Lycett, Nikiwe Mnguni, defending champion in the Junior Category, Leah Edwards and Aphumelele Shezi can’t wait to participate in the upcoming challenge. Pic: Rogan Ward
 

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and take on the Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge. After a three-year COVID-induced hiatus, the exhilarating, friendship-fuelled challenge is back and takes place around Alexandra Park in the heart of the Capital City on Sunday 20 August.

 
This year the race entries have been capped at 3,000 runners and walkers, with the options of either the 10km or  5km distances. The highly popular event will once again take the picturesque route around Alexandra Park and historic parts of the city starting alongside Maritzburg College's rugby field, Goldstones, on Princess Margaret Drive and finishes at iconic The Oval Cricket Stadium.
 
Both the 10km and 5km races kick off simultaneously at 8:00am. With the theme for this year’s event #ItsPersonal, the excitement promises to be contagious as participants from all walks of life come together to conquer the course and achieve their personal bests.
 
While this race is no longer included in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series it continues to offer lucrative prize money for category positions: the open category first prize is for R20 000, second position R15 000 and third R10 000, and various other age category prizes across the board up for grabs.

This year the CHOC House Pietermaritzburg, which supports children with cancer and their families, is the official race charity and R5 from every entry will be donated to CHOC.
 
The entry fee for the 10km for licensed participants and 5km participants is R150 per person. Non-licensed participants in the 10km will need to purchase an ASA temporary licence for the race at a cost of R50. Entries to the 10km distance are open from age 14 and to the 5km from age 9, the age restrictions being applicable on the day of the competition.
 
Entries are now open online at www.spar.run using Visa and MasterCard Credit and Debit Cards only. Online entries close on Friday, 11 August 2023. Bulk entries for 10 or more can also be done online and close on Monday 31 July.
 
Race Registration for the collection of race packs and race numbers takes place on Friday 18 August (10am to 5pm) and Saturday 19 August (10am to 3pm) at The Oval Cricket Stadium in Alexandra Park.
 
Grab your friends, family, and running buddies, because this is an event you won't want to tackle alone. Let's create memories, support one another, and make this year's Challenge a gathering to celebrate.
 
For more info visit sparwomensrace.co.za/maritzburg or like the Challenge’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.