'The SPAR Grand Prix series is where I started as a road runner' - Xaba targets third straight SPAR 10km victory in Tshwane

Just seven days afar winning the national half marathon title, Glenrose Xaba will be in action again as she targets a third straight SPAR Grand Prix victory at the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane at SuperSport Park in Centurion tomorrow (Saturday, 2 August). The Boxer Athletic Club top runner was the first woman to cross the finish line at the Foskor F21 Half Marathon which doubled as the Athletics South Africa (ASA) 21km Championships on Saturday 26 July in Phalaborwa in 1:10:03 to break the course record which was held by former half marathon world record holder Elana Meyer.

"This gives me more confidence and I'm looking forward to having a good race in Tshwane because I want to keep my SPAR Grand Prix title," Xaba said after retaining the national half-marathon crown.

Xaba celebrates victory at the 2024 SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane where she defeated three-time Grand Prix champion Tadu Nare of Ethiopia to win the race. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott.

The diminutive Xaba who won the popular SPAR Tshwane race last year, is enjoying another dominant season after winning the overall SPAR Grand Prix title and breaking both the SA 10km and marathon records in 2024. Key to the 30-year-old’s success has been her ability to recover between races in a demanding racing schedule that has seen her compete fur times in six weeks. Coached by Caster and Violet Semenya, Xaba says keeping her body in top condition requires an entire team which includes recovery and injury prevention specialists Power 2 Health.

"I have been working with Power 2 Health. They help athletes to recover using various methods such as ice baths, oxygen and ozone. I started working with them in 2020 when I had a knee problem. Now they understand my body because I have been attending their sessions consistently. I usually attend three recovery sessions a week when I am busy racing. It helps me a lot," she explained.

Xaba on top of the podium after claiming victory at the Foskor F21 Half Marathon which incorporated the national 21km championships. Photo Credit: Supplied.

Although she will line up injury free and therefore the favourite in Tshwane, Xaba is unlikely to have it all her own way against a quality elite field. Ethiopian athlete Selam Gebre (Nedbank) is just three points behind Xaba in the overall standings, and she will be aiming to cause an upset and take the series lead. Six other athletes among the top 10 in the standings - Ethiopian Diniya Abaraya, Cacisile Sosibo, training partner Karabo Mailula, the improving Zanthe Taljaard and Carina Swiegers - are also on the start list and will be hoping to make some inroads on Xaba's lead. Other elite athletes to watch include the likes of Olympic marathoner Cian Oldknow, 2017 Grand Prix winner Kesa Molotsane, and former Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya.

Yet even in the face of stiff competition against fresher opponents (especially from the Ethiopian Nedbank Running Club contingent) Xaba remains motivated to win, as she reveals just why winning the SPAR Grand Prix series is so important to her. “I want to motivate black athletes, women and upcoming athletes to know they can achieve anything. The SPAR Grand Prix series is where I started as a road runner, I love the  SPAR women’s only races, so to win it again will be a motivation not only for me but for other athletes as well."