Perhaps you were one of the millions watching the 12300 comrades runners who tackled the grueling 87km run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg? Runners of all shapes, sizes and abilities completed the race and yet each and every one of those runners started with a much shorter distance.
Perhaps you simply want to get fitter or benefit from the social side of running, or perhaps there’s a desire to spend a fun-filled day walking with friends.
No matter what level of exercise or involvement you may want Durban’s Spar Ladies Race on Sunday 19 June fits the bill. So now it’s your turn!
There are only 15000 places spread between the 5km and 10km distances in what has become the provinces largest ladies only race.
The event covers a fast flat and scenic course from outside the Athletic track at Kings Park goes north to Blue Lagoon before turning back along the beachfront with a stunning view of Durban’s golden mile.
Runners have an amazing view of the Moses Mabhida stadium as they turn past the Swimming pool back into Masabalala Yengwa Avenue heading towards the City and Sahara Kingsmeade Cricket Oval. Then it’s only another three kilometres to return to the party-filled atmosphere of the finish in the Peoples Park.
The 5km event completes only the Blue lagoon beachfront loop of the 10km course.
The improvements to this years course make for a smoother start with the 5km and 10km using different carriageways of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue. There is no limit to the space available for participants and now the 5km ladies will be able to watch the 10km start from where they line up.
Every finisher receives a breakfast pack after crossing the line and with hospitality and corporate sites available participants can stay to enjoy the after-party with entertainment from the East Coast Radio jocks. One lucky participant will win R12000 in shopping vouchers in the draw at the end of the race.
The competition is sure to be tough at the sharp end of the race where the winner will take home R10000, with total of R35000 in the top ten and a range of age group prizes.
The Durban event is the third in the five-event Grand Prix that boasts an additional R60000 in awards.
Although Rene Kalmer won the opening leg in Cape Town, she missed the Port Elizabeth race, which was won by Diana-Lebo Phalula. However Nedbank’s Irvette van Blerk raced both events finishing fourth and second to open a 13-point lead in the standings over Zintle Xinewe. Kalmer is in third and Phalula fourth with Catherine Skosana in fifth.
Jenna Challenor from the local Boxer Superstores club is the leading KZN athlete in 15th position, but she did not compete in Cape Town and should advance into the top ten in Durban. Danielle Adlam is in a similar situation in 19th place, while Grace de Oliveira tops the veteran section of the Grand Prix with nine points, four more than nearest rival Jaqui Bakkes from Paarl. De Oliveira has been part of the Spar ladies race since it’s inception and given recent performances in 10km and half marathons, can be expected to pull further away as the series progresses.
Every entrant to the Durban event is given a T shirt and a highly valuable goodie bag during registration which will be held from Thursday 16 June to Saturday 18 June at the Suncoast SunZone.
One thing that can be assured is that, come Sunday 19 June, ladies from all corners of the KZN province and from throughout South Africa will be making the journey to be part of the amazing Durban Spar ladies race.
Entry forms and payment can be taken at all Mr Price Stores and on-line at www.ladiesrace.co.za . Entries will close on Friday 10 June or when the 15000 limit has been achieved.
Hospitality sites for corporates or friends and families can be booked through Event World 031 3095522