Thousands of women are expected to gather at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha this Saturday for the 33rd SPAR Women’s Challenge, with gender-based violence (GBV) taking centre stage at the annual event.
The race comes as communities across South Africa continue to grapple with a series of violent attacks against women, including the recent femicides reported on Gauteng’s East Rand.
The event’s 6 000 online entry limit was reached more than a week before race day, while organisers expect at least another 1 000 women to take part at the start.
Participants are travelling from across the Eastern Cape, including Jeffreys Bay and Port Alfred, for the 5km and 10km races.
Landi Pottinger, manager of SUPERSPAR Rosehill in Port Alfred, said the current national conversation around GBV had given the event added significance.
“Women want to stand together, support one another and raise awareness around these issues,” she said.
At SUPERSPAR Jeffreys Bay, more than 100 women collected their race packs ahead of the event. Store representative Mignon Pretorius said the recent killings had given some participants a deeper reason to take part.
The race will begin with a moment of silence in memory of women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence, including runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo.
SPAR Eastern Cape sponsorship manager Honey Koba said the campaign remained focused on creating awareness and reminding women that safety should never be taken for granted.
“No woman should have to fear for her life while simply going about her day,” Koba said.
The Nelson Mandela University Res Choir will also perform Madoda Sabelani, a song by South African musician Loyiso Gijana that calls for accountability over violence against women and children.
Beyond raising awareness, the event is also supporting initiatives aimed at preventing GBV. Beneficiary organisation Ripples for Change plans to use its allocated funds from the Women’s Challenge to launch a GBV prevention programme.
This year’s event also carries the theme #CelebrateHer, with organisers aiming to balance the serious message with an opportunity for women to connect and enjoy the day.
Radio personalities Mafa Bavuma and KayCee Rossouw, entertainer Gino Fabbri, DJs and Eastern Cape performer Zintle Kwaaiman are among those set to entertain participants.
Food and drink stalls will also be available at the race village.
Race packs containing race bibs, T-shirts and other items can be collected from selected SPAR stores or at Pollok Beach from 5.30am on Saturday.
The event will bring together women not only for a run and walk, but also to remember those lost to violence and reinforce calls for safer communities.
Main Image: Supplied
