Trailblazing distance runner Blanche Moila has completed her 100th SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km race, continuing to inspire generations of women through her remarkable longevity and passion.
More than four decades after making history as the first black woman to earn Springbok colours in athletics, Blanche Moila has added another milestone to her remarkable career by completing her 100th SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km race.
The 70-year-old distance running pioneer reached the landmark at last week’s SPAR Grand Prix race in Tshwane, where she finished second in the women’s 70+ category for Savages Athletic Club in a time of 58:16.
Known for wearing her trademark turban during races, Moila became only the fifth athlete to complete 100 races in the popular series, joining Sonja Laxton, Ronel Thomas, Janene Carey and Grace de Oliveira.
Moila first discovered her love for running while training to become a nurse after taking part in a sports day between staff and patients. What began by chance developed into an elite career that saw her claim multiple national titles representing KwaZulu-Natal Athletics across a range of distances.
Looking back on the growth of women’s running in South Africa, Moila said she is encouraged by the depth of talent emerging in the sport.
“It’s really satisfying and we are just so excited about it. If you look at my 10km personal best of 33:58, it’s way slower than women are running now. Elite athletes are now running 32 or 31 minutes, and it just shows the depth and talent we have in South Africa,” she said.
Despite her achievements, Moila believes the greatest reward has been maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle throughout her life.
“Age has no penalty, and we learn in the present, so if you’re passionate about sport and do your homework, you will do the best you can,” she said.
She also encouraged more young girls to take up athletics, emphasising the importance of strong family and community support.
“When I was at school, the girl child was not always supported to excel in sport, and it was by pure chance that I got into sport. Right now we’re trying to encourage the girls to take part.”
The SPAR Grand Prix series continues with the next 10km race in Gqeberha on 26 September, before concluding in Johannesburg on 4 October, welcoming women of all ages and abilities to participate.
