The 2020 Spar Grand Prix appears likely to be one of the closest in its 14-year history.
The Grand Prix, which is one of the most important contests in South African road running, recognises the most successful athlete in the six Women’s 10km Challenge races, which take place around the country from March until October.
Prize money this year amounts to just under $36,500, not counting the prize money for individual races.
Runners accumulate points according to their position in each race, with the winner earning 20 points and the 20th placed runner earning one point. They can also earn points by beating the winning time in the corresponding race in 2019. All runners who beat this time receive 10-time incentive points.
Namibian runner Helalia Johannes dominated the 2019 Grand Prix winning all six races in record time. She finished the competition with a full house of 180 points – the maximum possible. She was the first person to achieve this. In several races, the fast pace set by Johannes saw several other runners earning bonus points as well.
Grand Prix coordinator, Ian Laxton, says this is what will make the 2020 Grand Prix so competitive.
“I don’t think we will see so many runners earning time points this year,” said Laxton.
“In fact, I think even Johannes will find it hard to beat the times she set last year. This means that every point will count – I think there will be just two or three points between the top runners.
“They won’t have that nice cushion of 10 points and they will have to run every race,” said Laxton.
Young up and coming runners will also be eligible for an exciting new award – the Breakthrough Runner of the Year.
This will be awarded to a South African athlete, who, in the opinion of the panel of judges, has shown the most improvement, and who has made an impact on the Challenge Series for the first time. The winner will receive prize money of $1,327.
Three-times Grand Prix winner Rene Kalmer has once again been named an ambassador for the SPAR Grand Prix and this year she has been joined as ambassador by the 2017 winner, Kesa Molotsane.
“I am very happy and excited to be an ambassador for the SPAR Grand Prix,” said Molotsane.
“Through the Grand Prix, SPAR has done much to empower women and I am very pleased to be able to give something back. I believe I can offer hope to other women.”
Modern Athlete have been named media partners of the 2020 Grand Prix season and the series is endorsed by Athletics South Africa.
The first Women’s 10km Challenge race takes place in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, March 21 and the second in Cape Town on Sunday, April 5.
The Grand Prix then moves to Durban (21 June) followed by Tshwane (1 August), back to KwaZulu-Natal for the Maritzburg race on 16 August and ends in the City of Joburg (4 October).
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
You must be logged in to post a comment Login