Entries for Women’s Challenge close at midnight

Today is the final day to enter the SPAR Women’s Challenge, which for the first time in three years will be completely free of Covid-19 restrictions.

Gqeberha’s legendary run in the sun takes place at Pollok Beach on May 27 and prospective participants have until midnight tonight to book a place on the start line.

Entries cost R150 for the 10km and R70 for the 5km.

To avoid a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out), runners and walkers can enter on www.soulgoodbookings. co.za or obtain entry forms from SPAR stores.

Alternatively, they can call on The Footballer, Brian Bands, Action Sports and Sportsmans Warehouse in Gqeberha and UD Sports in Graaff-Reinet.

If the build-up to race day is anything to go by, the thousands making their way down to the beachfront next Saturday are in for something special.

For the past month, some of the city’s most-loved media personalities have been talking up the Women’s Challenge on the radio and via their social media platforms.

Umhlobo Wenene’s Mafa Bavuma, Kingfisher FM’s Shereez Hartzenburg, Tru FM’s Sinazo Yolwa and The Herald’s Luchae Williams have also been out and about promoting the Eastern Cape leg of SA’s Most Beautiful Road Race around Nelson Mandela Bay.

“After a three-year hiatus we are delighted that the event is once again being held at Pollok Beach,” SPAR Eastern Cape advertising manager Roseann Shadrach, who hoped to see women lining up in their thousands, said.

A portion of the funds raised will be donated to two organisations going above and beyond to help adults and children with autism.

Autism Eastern Cape and the Umphanda Foundation for Autism, both based in Gqeberha, will use the money to bolster their programmes to give hundreds of families hope.

Shadrach said the theme of #4Smiles had the underlying message of supporting each other, particularly as the world recovers from the effect of the pandemic.

Besides entering for a good cause, another reason to do so is to stand the chance of winning some amazing lucky draw prizes. One participant can take home groceries for a year valued at R30,000.

There are also incentives for schools, athletics clubs, university residences and businesses to enter the most participants. Walmer Athletics Club can be contacted at 063-665-3518 to submit bulk entries.

As much as the Virtual Women’s Challenge at the height of the pandemic was heaps of fun, the return of the event as it should be promises to be a grand occasion.

The race village will be abuzz with activity as the entertainment programme and food trucks make for a memorable family day out.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge incorporates the Grand Prix series for elite athletes, so supporters have plenty of stars to cheer on.