The SPAR Grand Prix celebrates its 18th year in 2026, expanding prize money, partnerships and impact while continuing to elevate elite women’s road running nationally.
The 2026 SPAR Grand Prix series will once again unfold across five SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg. Designed as a competitive “race within a race,” the Grand Prix provides elite female runners with the opportunity to compete for significant prize money over an annual points-based series.
Launched in 2008, the series was initially limited to South African athletes. In 2019, it opened to international competitors, drawing top runners from across the continent. The inclusion of international athletes has intensified competition and contributed to faster race times among local contenders.
This year, total prize money has increased to R1 967 500. The overall series champion will earn R210 000, with R105 000 awarded to the runner-up and R80 000 to the third-place finisher. Age category prizes have also been boosted, with winners receiving R11 000 and runners-up R8 000.
Additional incentives reward the top five South African finishers, with the leading local athlete earning R110 000 and fifth place securing R21 000 — separate from main competition earnings.
Over the past 18 years, Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl, Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare and Glenrose Xaba have each claimed the Grand Prix title three times. Xaba made history as the first South African to win after the series opened to international runners and the first black South African to secure three titles. She now aims to become the first athlete to win the series four times.
“The SPAR Grand Prix has become very important to me,” said Xaba.
“I am very proud to be the first black South African to win it three times. I like to think that my achievements are an inspiration to young girls living in poverty as I was, who see what I have done and believe they can do the same.”
Beyond elite competition, the series is aligned with broader social impact initiatives, including campaigns addressing period poverty and gender-based violence.
“As a business rooted in the heart of South African communities, SPAR has a responsibility to stand up for women and girls,” said SPAR’s National PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager, Mpudi Maubane.
“Ending period poverty and gender-based violence is about more than intervention – it’s about dignity, safer environments, and equal opportunities. Through our community partnerships and sustained investments, we are committed to creating environments where women are supported, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential. This is not just one of those social responsibility programmes for SPAR – it is central to who we are.”
Athletics South Africa Acting President John Mathane congratulated SPAR on the milestone.
“SPAR is one of the longest standing sponsors of athletics in South Africa, and we applaud SPAR for having supported, promoted and empowered hundreds of thousands of women through the SPAR Challenge series, while assisting our elite athletes through the SPAR Grand Prix.
“ASA are aligned with SPAR and their commendable initiative to end GBV and period poverty. The women of South Africa need to be heard, respected and protected,” said Mathane.
Hyundai and Coca-Cola return as official partners for the 2026 series, with Modern Athlete continuing as media partner. Hyundai will again give away an all-new Hyundai EXTER at each race to one eligible entrant over the age of 18 holding a valid driver’s licence.
“Hyundai is driven by performance, precision and people,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. “We excited to continue our partnership with the SPAR National Grand Prix Series. Once again, one lucky attendee at each race stands a chance to drive away in the all-new Hyundai EXTER and this is our way of celebrating South Africans’ energy, on and off the track.”
This year’s theme, #CelebrateHer, reflects the series’ broader objective to uplift, empower and celebrate women across South Africa — on the road and beyond it.
