South African road runner Glenrose Xaba has become the first athlete to win four SPAR Women’s 10km Grand Prix titles, securing R320,000 in prize money.
The Boxer Athletics Club athlete claimed her latest title after finishing the 2026 series with 119 points, ahead of Ethiopian runner Selam Gebre of Nedbank, who accumulated 114 points, and teammate Karabo More, who finished third with 111.
Xaba previously won the competition in 2017, 2024 and 2025. Her fourth victory takes her beyond former three-time champions Rene Kalmer, Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopia’s Tadu Nare.
At the awards ceremony held at The Venue Nine Yards in Parktown, Johannesburg, Xaba received R210,000 for winning the overall Grand Prix and an additional R110,000 as the highest-placed South African athlete.
Gebre collected R105,000 for second place, while More earned R155,000, comprising R80,000 for third place overall and R75,000 for finishing second among South African competitors.
For Xaba, however, the achievement extends beyond prize money and personal recognition.
“I want to inspire young runners. I want them to think, if Glenrose can do it, so can I,” she said.
She acknowledged the contribution of her coach and mentor, Violet, fellow athlete Caster Semenya and her grandmother, who attended the Johannesburg race to witness her historic achievement.
The 2026 competition was particularly significant because of the growing rivalry between Xaba and Tayla Kavanagh of Hollywood Athletics Club.
During the opening race in Cape Town, Kavanagh overtook Xaba in the final 500 metres to secure victory, introducing an element of unpredictability that continued throughout the five-race series.
Their performances reflected the increasing competitiveness of South African women’s road running.
Irvette van Zyl, who finished eighth overall, credited Xaba with helping raise standards across the sport.
“We are all doing better because of Glenrose,” she said. “Standards are higher and there is greater competition.”
Beyond the elite competition, the SPAR Grand Prix continues to provide opportunities for athletes across different generations.
Mpho Katiso of Tshwane University of Technology won the junior category, while Este van Tonder claimed the 40–49 age division. Elizabeth Potter secured the 50–59 title, and Judy Bird dominated the over-60 category with 40 points.
Each age-category winner received R11,000.
Boxer Athletics Club also secured the club competition with 872 points, substantially ahead of Nedbank’s 337 and Hollywood’s 253.
SPAR Group Head of Public Relations, Sponsorship and Communications Mpudi Maubane confirmed that the retailer would continue supporting the competition in 2027.
She described Xaba’s achievement as an important moment for women’s athletics and highlighted the programme’s contribution to developing emerging South African talent.
“The SPAR Grand Prix has helped to nurture generations of athletes who have gone on to represent our country with distinction. We are proud to continue playing that role,” Maubane said.
SPAR also emphasised that its investment in women’s sport forms part of a broader commitment to gender equality, women’s safety and opportunities for girls and women.
Through the competition, the retailer continues to draw attention to gender-based violence and period poverty, connecting sporting achievement with wider social challenges.
“Our ambition is not simply to see women cross finish lines, but to help create a society where every woman and girl can pursue her dreams without fear, barriers and limitations,” Maubane said.
The series also maintained its partnership with Hyundai Automotive South Africa, which awarded five Hyundai EXTER vehicles, each valued at R269,900, through lucky draws for race entrants.
Hyundai Finance Executive Thembeka Ngubane said the partnership reflected the company’s commitment to recognising women’s achievements and supporting opportunities for greater participation.
Acting Athletics South Africa President Jean Verster acknowledged SPAR’s longstanding contribution to women’s road running, thanking the retailer for 36 years of investment in the sport.
Now in its 19th year, the SPAR Grand Prix has become an established platform for recognising competitive excellence while encouraging participation in women’s athletics.
Xaba’s fourth title represents more than another record. It demonstrates how sustained investment in women’s sport can provide role models for younger athletes, strengthen competition and create opportunities for future generations of South African runners.
