Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa: Ethiopian star Tadu Nare extended her dominance with another spectacular performance, wrapping up her third successive SPAR Grand Prix series title with a race to spare at the fifth leg of South Africa’s top women’s road running campaign in Tshwane on Saturday.
Nare broke away in the colours of Nedbank Running Club, as she has become accustomed on South African soil over the last few years, and held on to win the penultimate race in the six-leg SPAR Grand Prix series in 32:57.
With this victory, she took an unassailable lead in the annual series ahead of the sixth and final leg to be held in Johannesburg.
Despite dealing with the challenges associated with a climb in altitude, Nare coasted over the undulating course, crossing the line nearly a minute clear of her nearest opponent in 32:57.
“My plan was to push the pace from the start, but from the first few kilometres you have to push up the hills on this course, so I tried to do my best but it was a difficult race,” Nare said.
“I’m very thrilled and delighted to have won the series, but it’s not over yet.”
Her compatriot, Selam Gebre (Nedbank), took second place for the fifth SPAR Grand Prix race in a row in 33:50.
Showcasing the talent of Southern African athletes, Blandina Makatisi of Lesotho (Maxed Elite) was third in 34:15.
Cian Oldknow (Hollywood) was the first South African woman home in 34:17, finishing fourth overall, and former series winner Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) was fifth in 34:38.
“The race was tough and I never thought I would make the top three, so I’m happy to have achieved my result,” said Makatisi, who earned her first SPAR Grand Prix podium finish.
The sixth and final leg of the SPAR Grand Prix series will be held at Marks Park Sports Club on 1 March 2023.
ENDS.
2023 SPAR GRAND PRIX CALENDAR
Cape Town – Sunday, 23 April 2023 – Green Point Precinct
Gqeberha – Saturday, 27 May 2023 – Pollok Beach, Summerstrand
Durban – Sunday, 25 June 2023 – Kings Park Stadium
Mbombela – Saturday, 15 July 2023 – Mbombela Stadium
Tshwane – Saturday, 5 August 2023 – SuperSport Park
Joburg – Sunday, 1 October 2023 – Marks Park Sporting Club
SPAR GRAND PRIX WEBSITE: https://www.sparwomensrace.co.za
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Tadu Nare: Ethiopian star Tadu Nare extended her dominance with another spectacular performance, wrapping up her third successive SPAR Grand Prix series title with a race to spare at the fifth leg of South Africa’s top women’s road running campaign in Tshwane on Saturday. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Cian Oldknow: Cian Oldknow (Hollywood) was the first South African woman home in 34:17, finishing fourth overall in the SPAR Grand Prix 10km race in Tshwane on Saturday, 5 August 2023. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Athletes: Tadu Nare (Nedbank) of Ethiopia leads the pack at the half way mark of the SPAR Grand Prix Tshwane 10km race which was held at SuperSport Park in Centurion in Saturday. Nare won the race in 32:57. Picture Credit: Reg Caldecott
Top 3 Finishers: The top three finishers of the Tshwane SPAR Grand Prix 10km race held on Saturday at SuperSport Park are from left Blandina Makatisi (Maxed Elite) 3rd, Tadu Nare (Nedbank) 1st and Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 2nd. Picture Credit: Shaun McCreanor
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This media release was compiled and distributed by BLD Communications on behalf of the SPAR Grand Prix series. Media can contact Dineo Diphoko for further information on 083 300 8268 / dineo@thebldgroup.com.