PE women’s race comes of age

The Port Elizabeth leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge comes of age this year, with special items planned for the event that starts at Pollok Beach on Saturday, May 3.

Participants will form a sea of blue in their limited edition race t-shirts as they flow out onto the streets for the 10 and 5km races.

The first 14 000 entrants will receive the t-shirt, goodie bag and 21st anniversary race guide while medals will be going to all finishers.

SPAR Eastern Cape marketing manager Abri Swart said it was a proud moment for the retail giant to see the race reach maturity.

“We have sponsored this event from the very beginning, watched it take its first steps and seen it grow into the biggest and most beautiful road race in the province.”

Swart said the annual event – which is organised by the Walmer Athletics Club – attracted women of various ages, sizes and fitness levels from all parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape.

“It’s not just about external beauty but also beauty from within because everyone who runs or walks the event is doing it for someone who can’t.”

Proceeds from this year’s race would benefit the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities in the metro, he said.

“To celebrate the occasion, we’re also giving away three SPAR grocery vouchers worth R15 000 each plus lots of other lucky draw prizes. We want every participant to feel like a birthday girl.”

In addition, there would be prizes for the school and corporate teams with the most entries, he said.

“The company and primary school with the most participants will win R2 500, while the winning high school will be awarded a laptop.”

Swart said organisers had secured some exciting entertainment for the post-race prize-giving and that more information would be released shortly.

The women-only event will be preceded by the SPAR Little Ladies’ Race, which takes place at the same venue on May 1.

For more details find SPAR Women’s Challenge Port Elizabeth on Facebook or follow @sparchallengepe and @spar_ec.

Enter before April 25 at www.sparwomensrace.co.za or collect a form from any SUPERSPAR, SPAR or KWIKSPAR.