Tayla Kavanagh is expected to strengthen her lead in the SPAR Grand Prix standings when she lines up at the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Durban on Sunday 28 June 2026.
The Hollywood Athletics Club runner currently tops the log after a strong start to the season and will again face a competitive elite field in KwaZulu-Natal.
She will be joined by strong contenders including Karabo More, Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula, Zanthe Taljaard, Carina Swiegers and Lizandre Mulder.
Defending champion Glenrose Xaba will miss the Durban race due to international commitments in the United States, opening the door for a new winner on the coastal course.
Ethiopian runner Selam Gebre is also expected to be among the front runners after missing the opening race due to visa delays.
The SPAR Grand Prix format allows athletes to drop one race result, meaning consistency across the series remains key in the battle for the overall title and prize purse of R210 000.
Age group categories are also expected to produce tight competition, particularly in the 50 to 59 and 60 to 69 divisions where multiple athletes earned maximum points in Cape Town.
A portion of entry fees will be donated to race charity iThemba Lethu, a Durban based organisation focused on early childhood development and support for vulnerable children.
SPAR representatives say the event continues to play a wider role beyond sport, promoting empowerment, community development and social impact through women focused participation.
The Durban race will start on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finish at Kings Park Stadium, with runners passing key landmarks including Blue Lagoon, the North Beach Promenade, Kingsmead Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The flat but technical route is expected to produce fast times while still testing athletes with subtle elevation changes along the course.
