Going even bigger for women this year
MBOMBELA - The stage is set for South Africa’s most beautiful race and this year promises to be even bigger than 2020.
The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge that is set to take place on September 4, had its Lowveld launch last Friday at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden.
Online entries are now open.
SPAR invites women across the country to run, jog or walk their own virtual challenge anywhere in South Africa on this day between the hours of 06:00 and 18:00.
This year’s theme, #LiveLimitless, calls on women to recognise the obstacles they have overcome in spite of the restrictions and limitations South Africa has faced in the past year.
SPAR Lowveld’s divisional managing director, Martin Webber, said, “Every year thousands of women look forward to taking part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge races and their associated fun runs. Due to the lockdown imposed in 2020, SPAR changed the game by launching their first ever virtual challenge.
“By hosting the second virtual challenge in 2021 we are once again giving women something to look forward to and we are really excited that no one will have to miss out this year. All genders, young and old are welcome to join in on the fun.
“The fact that we have managed to find a way for our challenge community to keep coming together is really a testament to what #LiveLimitless is all about,” said Webber.
Ensuring a limitless future for all, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2021 event will benefit the SPAR Petal’s Project. Proceeds from this year’s entry fee will be used to help the Petals Project donate packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls who often stay away from school when they are on their periods as they lack these basic necessities.
Each contribution will help to remove the limitations that girls feel during menstruation and show them that there is no area in their life in which they cannot #LiveLimitless.
Webber acknowledged and thanked
Asics, Garmin and Athletics South Africa for sticking with them and making this challenge possible.
“Our brand ambassadors, several of whom have been involved with our events for years, also play a huge part in making the virtual challenges a success and we are so excited about the group we have on board this year,” said Webber.
Helping spread the #LiveLimitless message in the Lowveld will be Philicity Reeken, Martin Bester, Suga, Gino Fabbri, Lucille Slade, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Warrior Ric, Faith Motau, Pinky Phosa, Tshepiso Phosa, Dr Eurika Mogane, Barbara Kenyon, Sandra Jacobs, Lindiwe NtuliTloubatla, Kylah Beukes, Melanie Jacobs and Conny Ntshane.
Eurika, Sandra and Melanie took to the stage at Friday’s launch and elaborated on what #LiveLimitless means to them.
Each speaker had their own unique way of inspiring, not only the crowd in front of them, but also all who were tuned in to the live-streamed event.
This year there are even more ways to join in the fun online. Participants can visit the official race website, sparvirtualchallenge. co.za to generate their own race number and finish line certificate - perfect for pre- and post-race selfies!
For more information and to find out how to enter, visit www.sparvirtualchallenge. co.za.
The entry fee is R60 and includes a virtual race pack. The race pack contains an official virtual challenge T-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff and a medal.
Entries are limited to 75 000 participants.