Monday, 19 July 2010 15:04
Durban SPAR Women's 10km fast approaching
Celebrating two decades of fun-filled road running, the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km will start and finish in the People’s Park at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday 29 August.
The event drew a field of 12 373 women in 2009, with 7,985 women participating in the 10km event, and 4,388 in the 5km.
The crowds in the past have been large, loud and enthusiastic along the course creating a festive and supportive vibe for the participants. This year, the course with the new start and finish, changes slightly and is more scenic and spectator-friendly.
A new technical development for this event is that Mr Price will provide the race data management including the results using their race timing chips.
A fleet of elite national runners will compete in the SPAR Grand Prix with last year’s Durban winner, Rene Kalmer, leading the log ahead of the Durban leg. But runners and walkers of all ages, shapes and sizes are encouraged to take up a healthy lifestyle and participate in the event.
Another exciting new development for this race is that SPAR KZN has joined forces with the City of Durban and SPAR Chesterville Athletics Club (SCAC) in an endeavour to work with local communities in the field, promoting outdoor activities and healthier lifestyles.
MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson says, “We are really pleased to be partnering with the City of Durban for this event. It is a major KZN event which attracts many visitors and also supports their marketing endeavours. It is also significant that we have teamed up with the SPAR Chesterville Athletics Club which will host the race. This is an historic club, with an enthusiastic and inspired committee who are eager to develop more runners of standing in the city.”
“Our relationship with the Club will include this flagship race, plus support in the form of kit and branding for the members as well as assisting in various development projects run by the SCAC. Looking into the future we are hoping that through other strategic relationships such as the City, the Club will also find a permanent home.” says Philipson.
“The Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km event is a key sporting event for our City, along with the Comrades Marathon and Vodacom Durban July.” says Ethekweni Municipal Mayor, Cllr Obed Mlaba. “Following on our success in hosting the FIFA World Cup Soccer we have shown the world what we are capable of, this and the promises of a possible Olympic bid, means that we are now more determined than ever to promote the city as Africa’s Sports Capital. We are really pleased to be a partner in this event which is also one of the first big events to make use of the People’s Park, a place for our community.”
Mandla Dlodlo, Chairman of the SPAR Chesterville Athletics Club believes that this move will have a huge impact in the local communities. “We are thrilled that SPAR has identified our club as a means to support local running development. This is a true sign of a company putting their beliefs into action. They are committed to developing running and this significant financial and emotional support will filter down to the local runners. All I can say is watch this space...we are determined to be sending some of our club members to some important race meetings in the near future.”
For hundreds of ladies and supportive male counterparts the race is a memorable and rewarding experience. Even more rewarding is that SPAR is able to raise significant funds for the race charity, and this year has selected Independent Newspapers Community Projects as the official race charity.
Starting time is 9am for the 10km and 9.45am for 5km. Entries to the race can be found at selected SPAR; SUPERSPAR; KWIKSPAR stores or log onto www.spar.co.za for more details. For more info contact the race office on 033 394 7484 or email
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