Xaba edges out rivals in thrilling Tshwane SPAR Women’s 10km victory

Glenrose Xaba proved once again why she is one of the most dominant forces in South African road running by claiming a hard-fought victory at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Tshwane on Saturday.

Xaba, representing Boxer Athletics Club, surged to the front in the closing stages to secure her third SPAR Women’s 10km title of the year, finishing in 32:39. Hot on her heels was Ethiopian challenger Diniya Abaraya of Nedbank, just two seconds behind in 32:41. Fellow Ethiopian Selam Gebre completed the podium in third place with a time of 33:17. At the same time, Kenyan Debrah Cherotich followed in 33:38.

The victory keeps Xaba on track in her quest to become the first black South African woman and only the third overall to win the SPAR Grand Prix Series title three times.

The race got off to a dramatic start when veteran and three-time SPAR Grand Prix winner Irvette van Zyl (Hollywood) bolted into an early lead. But by the two-kilometre mark, the lead group of four, Xaba, Abaraya, Gebre, and Cherotich, broke away, leaving Van Zyl trailing.

Xaba made her move at the 7km mark, opening a gap that looked decisive. However, the two Ethiopians clawed their way back, forcing a nail-biting finish.

“I thought I had dropped them, so I wasn’t aware how close they were,” Xaba admitted after the race, still catching her breath.

Fresh off winning her sixth national half-marathon title last week, Xaba credited her team, especially her coach, mentor Violet, and Olympic champion Caster Semenya, for her consistent form.

“They help me in so many ways, keeping me injury-free and working out strategies for me,” she said.

Xaba also extended her gratitude to the international runners who continue to push the local athletes.

“They are making us competitive internationally,” she noted. “I hope my success inspires young South Africans to dream big. If they see me winning, they can believe that they can too.”

Abaraya, despite finishing narrowly behind Xaba, praised the South African’s strength and determination.

“I am amazed at how powerful she is, taking the lead from the start and staying there,” she said. “The course was very hilly, which made it even more challenging.”

Comrades gold medallist Irvette van Zyl shared her excitement about the state of women’s running in South Africa.

“I’m thrilled to see a South African winning again. I’ve watched Glenrose grow into the athlete she is today, and I’m so proud of her,” Van Zyl said. “The young athletes coming through now are something special.”

The Tshwane leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge Series drew a sellout crowd of 17,000 participants, transforming the streets of Centurion into a sea of energy and colour.

Adding to the excitement, Pauline Mathebula was announced as the lucky winner of a brand-new Hyundai EXTER, valued at R269,900.

“Hyundai Automotive South Africa is proud to support women’s health, sporting excellence, and unity,” said Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai South Africa. “The Hyundai EXTER, with its bold design and advanced safety features, mirrors the key qualities we see in these remarkable participants.”

Beyond the athletic achievements, the event also made a meaningful social impact. SPAR made donations to the Basadi Ba Moshito Foundation and Love Justice International, organisations that fight against gender-based violence and period poverty. These donations were highlighted by the participation of the symbolic “Rope Runner”, who completed the 10km race in her signature skipping style.

The Tshwane leg continues the momentum of the SPAR Grand Prix Series, showcasing not only fierce competition but also a shared commitment to community upliftment and women’s empowerment. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Glenrose Xaba as she chases history and inspires a nation with every stride.