For the Saptoe family of Port Elizabeth, the SPAR Women’s Challenge has become an annual highlight and an inter-generational bonding experience.
Matriarch Perl, 54, first introduced her daughters Mandy, 27, and Melanie, 24, to the event after spotting an advert for the inaugural edition in the newspaper.
“We’ve taken part from the very beginning and have been doing it ever since,” said Melanie.
Mandy’s daughter Shadé, now 11, also participated in her first race when she was just a few months old and was pushed along in a pram.
“It has been a part of our lives for a long time and we look forward to doing the race every year,” said Melanie.
She said her mother, who is an educator at Bethelsdorp Road Primary, had also introduced many of her school’s athletes to the race.
The family train for the 5km fun run component by taking long walks together in the evenings.
For the first time this year, however, the Heath Park residents will be short a member as Mandy has had to relocate to Johannesburg for work.
But, said candidate attorney Melanie, the family planned to continue participating in the SPAR Women’s Challenge, as well as other local road running events.
“We do the race for fun. It’s a nice bonding experience as we are chatting and laughing all the way to the finish line – and it’s good exercise at the same time!”
SPAR Eastern Cape marketing manager Martin Webber said the Saptoes epitomised the spirit of the event, which is about fun and entertainment for the whole family.
“For them it’s about family time, but we have over 11 000 women from all walks of life who run for many different reasons.”
Webber said some did the race in honour of a loved one or to support a particular cause, such as the Yokhuselo Haven for victims of domestic violence, which is the beneficiary of the event.
“We’d like to give our participants a platform to tell their story, so we’ve launched the ‘My Reason to Run’ competition on Facebook.”
He said all participants had to do was like the Facebook page and post their reason to run on the wall. “The best, funniest or most heart-warming story will win R1 000 in grocery vouchers.”
The SPAR Women’s Challenge starts at Kings Beach on Saturday, May 5. There will be both a 5km and 10km option, with medals going to all finishers.
To submit your reason to run, find “SPAR EC in ACTION” on Facebook.
Get a race entry form at any SUPERSPAR, SPAR or KWIKSPAR store or enter online at www.spar.co.za before April 28.
Alan Straton
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