Glenrose Xaba Makes History with Third SPAR Grand Prix Title in South Africa

Posted : 12 November 2025

Glenrose Xaba celebrated a landmark achievement at the annual SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge Grand Prix Awards in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Tuesday. The 31-year-old Boxer athlete, who holds the South African 10km record, became the first black South African to secure the SPAR Grand Prix title three times after her victory in last month’s Jozi 10km Challenge.

Only three other runners—Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, and Ethiopian athlete Tadu Nare—have achieved the treble. Xaba previously won in 2017, 2024, and 2025, the first victory coming before the series opened to international competitors.

Xaba walked away with a total of R300,000, including R200,000 for winning the overall Grand Prix Series and R100,000 as the first South African finisher. In addition, she secured R165,000 in prize money from victories in all five races of the 2025 series.

Ethiopian athletes Diniya Abaraya and Salem Gebre finished second and third in the overall series, earning R100,000 and R75,000 respectively. Among South Africans, Karabo Mailula and Karabo More also collected prizes for their performances.

The junior category was topped by Chanell Groenwalt, with Boxer teammates Wiepke Schoeman and Taya Pelser finishing second and third. In the 40-49 age category, Janie Grundling emerged victorious, while the 50-59 winners included Elizabeth Potter, Anne Stewart, and Janene Carey.

The 60+ section was led by the undefeated Judy Bird, followed by Grace de Oliveira and Gail Baruch. Winners in each age group received R10,500, with second and third place receiving R8,000 and R5,000, respectively.

Reflecting on her historic achievement, Xaba said, “I hope young black girls will be inspired by what I have achieved. I want them to see that they can reach these heights too.” She expressed gratitude to her coach, Violet Semenya, and mentor Caster Semenya, and noted that she hopes to use her prize money to support family or future endeavors. Xaba is also preparing for the Valencia Marathon in Spain on December 7.

SPAR’s National PR, Sponsorship, and Communications Manager, Mpudi Maubane, announced that SPAR would sponsor the series again in 2026 and praised the positive impact of the Grand Prix. Maubane also acknowledged the support of SPAR Distribution Centres, co-sponsors Hyundai, Coca-Cola, Modern Athlete, and Athletics South Africa for making the events a success.

Acting President of Athletics South Africa, James Mathane, commended SPAR for their commitment to women’s sport.

At each of the five SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races, one lucky participant also won a Hyundai Exter SUV, worth R269,900. Hyundai CEO Stanley Anderson highlighted the company’s commitment to promoting health, activity, and empowerment among women.

Preparations for the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix are already underway, with the calendar expected to be announced early next year in collaboration with Athletics South Africa and its provincial affiliates.

Glenrose Xaba Makes History with Third SPAR Grand Prix Title in South Africa

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics