• SPAR Women’s Joburg Challenge promises to be fun-filled winner
Johannesburg, South Africa- The waiting is over, and it’s all systems go for the 2015 SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and 5km Fun Run at the Wanderers Club on Sunday.
We want you to really enjoy your day, so our advice is to get there early.
With 15 000 people taking part, parking will be at a premium. Secure paid parking will be available at Fairways Primary School in Irene Road, the Wanderers Rugby Club field adjacent to the Wanderers Stadium, the Wanderers Golf Course in Rudd Road, St Vincent’s School for the Deaf in Jellicoe Avenue and at 35 Kernick Road. Please note that NO parking is allowed at the James and Ethel Gray Park in Atholl Oaklands or at the RH Henderson Park in Birdhaven.
There will be road closures around the Wanderers with Corlett Drive from Rudd Road to Atholl Oaklands closed between 6am and 8.30. Various sections of Oxford Road, Riviera Road, River Street, Fifth Avenue, North Street and Venus Street will be closed from 5am to 11am.
Arnold Geerdts will once again be the MC at the start of the race. Arnie has done it for a number of years and knows exactly how to get people going as they wait for the start.
Very hot weather has been forecast for Sunday, so make sure your clothes are cool and comfortable, that you use plenty of sunblock and keep well hydrated by visiting the water points along the way.
There is plenty going on around the race to keep you entertained and happy throughout the morning. There is a free kiddies area, with jumping castles, colouring-in, an obstacle course, and SPAR characters. Although there are child minders, SPAR does not take responsibility for your children.
Entertainment will be provided by Coca Cola Popstar winner Lyle Anthony. The talented 25-year-old is always a popular draw, with his soft tones and massive range, and he is likely to be a hit with the thousands of women waiting for the prize giving at 10 o’clock.
There will be lucky draws for massive prizes, including a Nissan Micra and generous SPAR Vouchers, but remember, you have to be there to win one of these prizes. You won’t need to go hungry while you wait – food and drink vendors around the cricket field will see to that.
The designated charity for the race is Reach for Recovery, a support group for women with breast cancer. Reach for Recovery will have a stall at the venue, so show them your support by buying something there.
For the first time, participants will be able to recognise a friend or family member who has been affected by cancer by placing a message on one of the two Trees of Hope at the finish. The messages will later be posted on the race’s Facebook page.
So if you want to enjoy your day on Sunday, get there early, dress comfortably, drink lots of water and use lots of sunblock, but most of all – have fun!
You can still enter the race on Sunday by going to enter at the Wanderers Sporting Club on Saturday 10 October from 10h00 to 16h00 or at the crack of dawn on race day before 07h00.