Johannesburg, Tuesday 5th September 2006 – The years since the first democratic elections in South Africa have seen an unprecedented growth in the number of women who have taken up road-running as a hobby.
At a time when the popularity of the sport has declined among men, the ranks of women road-runners and walkers continue to grow every year. Ian Laxton, coordinator of the Spar Women’s 10km Challenge with Bokomo races which take place at centres around South Africa, says there are various reasons for this.
“The explosion in the number of women who have taken up running has coincided with the democratisation of South Africa, and increasing recognition of the rights of women,” said Laxton.
“In many ways, this has also been driven by the Challenge series, because even if women don’t travel to the other centres, they are aware of the races taking place around the country, and this has helped to boost the popularity of road-running".
More than 40 000 women take part in the various races around the country, making the Challenge series one of the most important events on the road-running calendar.
“Women are more sociable than men,” continued Laxton. “They do all sorts of things together, and so they love taking part in a race that is dedicated to women.
"They own the race – the first woman home is the winner, plain and simple – she is not surrounded by men running in a different race. They can relax and feel free, competing in a race that is all about them.
The Johannesburg Challenge is to take place at the Old Parktonians Club in Randburg on Sunday October 15, and the organisers are once again expecting a record entry.
Some of South Africa’s top runners will be taking part, including Poppy Mlambo, Charne Rademeyer and Ronel Thomas, who have all been included in the South African team for the African Southern Region half marathon championships in Mauritius.
As always with the Challenge events, there are some amazing prizes on offer.
In addition to the prize money on offer for the top runners, there will be a lucky draw for vouchers for a year’s supply of groceries, worth R12 000.
The first two schools with the most entries each stand to win a computer and software.
With the race taking place during Breast Cancer Month, proceeds will go towards breast cancer awareness, and awareness of other cancers that affect women.
A number of breast cancer survivors traditionally take part in the race, and act as an inspiration for thousands of other women.
Entry forms are available from all SPAR, SUPERSPAR and KWIKSPAR stores, or online at www.spar.co.za. For more information contact the race office on 011 442 8256 or email [email protected].
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