2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge: Run, Walk and Celebrate Her

Thousands of women will turn the streets of Centurion green when the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane returns on Saturday, 1 August 2026.

Taking place under the inspiring theme #CelebrateHer, the event will bring together elite athletes, social runners, walkers, families and supporters for an afternoon dedicated to women’s strength, wellness and community.

The challenge offers a timed 10 km race and an inclusive 5 km Fun Run, making it suitable for everyone from experienced competitors chasing a personal best to participants who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere with friends.

2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane event details

The organisers have confirmed the following race-day information on the official event page:

Entries for the Tshwane race are sold out

The 2026 Tshwane event has attracted considerable interest, with the official website currently marking in-store entries, online entries and company, club or bulk entries as sold out.

This means that no new entries are presently available. Registered participants should now focus on completing any outstanding registration requirements and collecting their race packs where applicable.

The R200 entry fee included a race number, a 2026 Challenge T-shirt and a copy of the My Tshwane Challenge Magazine. T-shirts were made available according to selected sizes and while stocks lasted.

Race-pack collection for online entrants

Participants who entered online must collect their race numbers, Challenge T-shirts and magazines from SuperSport Park during the following periods:

Online entrants should not attempt to collect their race packs from a SPAR store. Collection on race day closes at 12:00, two hours before the 5 km and 10 km events begin at 14:00. Participants collecting on the day should therefore arrive early enough to avoid unnecessary queues or delays.

In-store entrants would have received their race number, magazine and T-shirt when purchasing their entry.

In-store entrants must register their race numbers

Buying an entry in-store did not automatically complete the participant’s registration.

Every in-store entrant must scan the unique QR code printed on her race number and submit the required information online. Entrants must also select whether they will take part in the 5 km or 10 km event.

Registering the race number is particularly important because participants must be correctly registered to qualify for prizes at the prize-giving ceremony and to be included in eligible lucky draws.

Participants should complete this process before race day rather than waiting until they reach SuperSport Park.

Choose between the 5 km and 10 km challenge

Both races begin at 14:00 from SuperSport Park, but they cater to different types of participants.

5 km Fun Run

The 5 km event is ideal for social runners, walkers, beginners, families and groups of friends. It places the emphasis on participation, enjoyment and community rather than finishing time.

Participants can run or walk at a comfortable pace while enjoying the entertainment and collective energy for which the SPAR Women’s Challenge has become known.

Timed 10 km race

The 10 km event is aimed at competitive athletes, licensed runners, experienced walkers and recreational participants looking for a greater challenge.

Entrants who do not hold a valid running licence must pay the additional R70 temporary licence fee. Participants should familiarise themselves with the official race rules and route information before arriving at the venue. Official route maps are available for both the 5 km and 10 km events.

The Tshwane race also forms part of the wider SPAR Grand Prix Series, bringing leading athletes together with thousands of everyday runners and walkers.

Celebrating 30 years of growth in Tshwane

The Tshwane leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge began with approximately 600 runners in 1996. It has since grown into a major mass-participation event, drawing tens of thousands of women and filling the streets with the familiar green of SPAR race shirts.

Its appeal lies in its inclusivity. An Olympian competing for a podium position can share the route with a first-time runner, a weekend walker, a mother and daughter, a group of colleagues or friends participating simply to spend time together.

Although performance remains important to competitive athletes, the event’s wider purpose is to create a welcoming space where every woman’s effort and story are recognised.

What #CelebrateHer means

The official theme for the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge is #CelebrateHer.

It follows previous campaigns such as #iRise, introduced in 2022 to recognise women’s resilience and determination, and #Twenty20Thrive, which focused on women’s ability to grow and flourish despite life’s challenges.

#CelebrateHer takes that journey forward by honouring women’s courage, compassion, ambition, achievements and contributions to their communities.

It recognises that every participant arrives with her own story. Some will be celebrating personal milestones, while others may be running in honour of a mother, sister, friend, colleague or community leader.

When thousands of participants line up together at SuperSport Park, the event becomes more than a road race. It becomes a shared expression of support, recognition and pride.

Through the campaign, SPAR is also reinforcing its stated commitment to women’s wellness, inclusion and empowerment.

Finish the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge race and collect your goodie bag

Participants can look forward to receiving a goodie bag at the finish line after completing their chosen distance.

Race numbers should be worn correctly and kept secure throughout the event. Entrants may need their numbers for timing, identification, prize eligibility and the Hyundai lucky draw.

Participants should also follow the instructions of race officials, marshals and security personnel along the route.

One Tshwane participant could win a Hyundai Exter

Hyundai is sponsoring five vehicles across the five main provincial SPAR Women’s Challenge races in 2026. One eligible participant at each event will have the opportunity to win a Hyundai Exter, meaning a winner is expected to be selected at the Tshwane race rather than through a later national draw.

Under the published competition rules, eligible entrants must complete the event, register the QR code connected to their race number and be present at the post-race prize-giving. The selected winner must also meet the age, identification and valid driver’s-licence requirements contained in the official competition rules. If the person whose number is drawn is not present, another draw may take place.

Registered participants hoping to qualify should therefore:

• Ensure that their race number has been registered.
• Complete the 5 km or 10 km event.
• Keep their race number after crossing the finish line.
• Remain at SuperSport Park for the prize-giving.
• Carry the required identification and comply with all official competition conditions.

Discovery Vitality points for 10 km participants

Discovery Vitality members taking part in the timed 10 km race may earn Vitality points for completing the event.

This benefit applies only to the timed 10 km challenge and not to the 5 km Fun Run. Participants should follow the applicable instructions for linking their race entry or results to their Vitality profile so that qualifying activity can be recorded correctly.

Race-day reminders

Registered participants should prepare their clothing and essential items before travelling to Centurion.

Remember to bring your race number, suitable running or walking shoes, any required licence documentation and identification. Participants should also apply sunscreen, remain hydrated and allow sufficient time for parking, venue access and moving to the start area.

Online entrants collecting on race day must do so between 08:00 and 12:00. Everyone should be ready well before the 14:00 start.

Because of the size of the event, participants should expect busy roads and increased pedestrian activity around SuperSport Park. Directions given by traffic officials, marshals and venue personnel should be followed at all times.

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Contact the race organisers

Participants who need assistance can use the following official contact details:

These contact details are published on the official Tshwane event page.

Tshwane is ready to #CelebrateHer

The 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane promises an afternoon filled with movement, music, encouragement and shared celebration.

For some participants, it will be a serious 10 km test. For others, it will be an opportunity to walk alongside friends, celebrate a personal achievement or honour an important woman in their lives.

Regardless of distance or finishing time, every participant contributes to the spirit of the event.

On Saturday, 1 August 2026, thousands of women will gather at SuperSport Park to run, walk, support one another and celebrate every woman, every pace and every story.

Tshwane, it is time to #CelebrateHer.