Innovations give Women’s Challenge a magic makeover

SPAR Eastern Cape sponsorship controller and Women’s Challenge ambassador Honey Koba already has a spring in her step for Gqeberha’s most beautiful road race in September.

The 32^nd running of Gqeberha’s most beautiful road race is shaping up to be the most innovative.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge, which will take place in spring rather than autumn for the second consecutive year, is penned down for September 27 and the organisers are leaving no stone unturned in making it memorable.

A number of changes have been introduced to make the retailer’s flagship event more exciting and accessible, SPAR Eastern Cape advertising manager Roseann Shadrach said.

The biggest of these is an initiative to leverage till points at its stores across the province to promote entries.

Those people – especially the elderly – who are not internet-savvy and struggle with online registration can now ask a relative or friend to enter on their behalf and send them a code to be redeemed in-store.

“You take that to the shop where a cashier will punch it in as they would when ringing up an item,” Shadrach explained.

The entrant will receive a till slip with reference number to be presented at registration when collecting their goodie bag and T-shirt.

She said this solution ensured no one was left behind, including those who lived in rural areas where the internet was not always as accessible.

“I think it’s important to note that this is not just a local event; it’s for everyone in the province. Our new system will help those from other areas enjoy the fun and camaraderie.”

Another new feature is the traditional boxy T-shirt making way for a more modern runner’s bib that is lighter and more breathable.

Each participant will also receive a scrunchy, complete with a competition to see who wears theirs best on race day.

The lead-up to the Women’s Challenge, which includes the Gqeberha leg of the elite Grand Prix Series, will be marked by activations at stores across the Bay.

Even here the organisers have thought outside the box with a “training run” around the city block in which the outlet is located.

Over the next few weeks several race ambassadors – among them Tammy Southby of travel blog Sunshine Simplicities, fitness guru Caileigh Goddard and SPAR EC sponsorship controller Honey Koba – will be out and about in the Friendly City to encourage residents from all walks of life to participate.

“We are incredibly excited about this year’s event,” Shadrach said. “We are fully expecting to meet our capacity target of 5 000 runners for this wonderful occasion.”

Participants in the marquee 10km will head off at 7am with those taking part in the shorter distance setting off 30 minutes later.

Enter at www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/gqeberha/ or ask someone to do so on your behalf.