from NJABULO MKHIZE in Durban
KwaZulu Natal Bureau
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – SPAR Grand Prix leader Tayla Kavanagh will be aiming to strengthen her grip on the series when she lines up for the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Durban on Sunday.
The Hollywood Athletics Club runner heads into the third leg of the prestigious women’s road-running series in strong form and has an opportunity to extend her advantage over a highly competitive field chasing valuable Grand Prix points.
Kavanagh will face stern opposition from Boxer Athletics Club stars Karabo More, Cacisile Sosibo, Karabo Mailula, Zanthe Taljaard, Carina Swiegers and Lizandre Mulder, who are expected to arrive in Durban shortly after competing in the South African 5km Championships in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The absence of defending SPAR Grand Prix champion Glenrose Xaba, who will be competing in the United States, opens the door for rivals to gain ground in the standings.
More, Sosibo and teammate Kayla Jacobs remain among the leading contenders after securing maximum bonus points during the opening race in Cape Town in April.
Another athlete to watch is Ethiopian runner Selam Gebre of Nedbank Running Club. After missing the Cape Town race because of visa challenges, Gebre is expected to mount a strong challenge as she seeks to re-enter the title race.
With the final standings determined by each athlete’s best four results from the five-race series, competitors still have room to recover from missed events, ensuring the championship battle remains wide open.
Competition is also intensifying in the age-group categories.
The women’s 50-59 division promises a closely contested battle between Elizabeth Potter, Nerida Lubbe and Janene Carey, while defending champion Judy Bird faces strong opposition from Dalene Sonnekus, Ester Brink and Suzanne Marais in the 60-69 category.
Sunday’s race will follow the same route used last year, starting on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing at the outer fields of Kings Park Rugby Stadium.
Although largely flat, the course features gentle undulations and scenic landmarks, including Blue Lagoon, the North Beach Promenade, Kingsmead Cricket Ground and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
With valuable points on offer and the title race beginning to take shape, Durban is set to provide another crucial chapter in the 2026 SPAR Grand Prix series.
– CAJ News