The Herald editor Brett Horner and SPAR Eastern Cape advertising and promotions controller Roseann Shadrach are ready for this year’s SPAR Women’s Challenge on May 6  Picture: Leon Hugo

Entries are now open for South Africa’s “most beautiful road race” on the running calendar: the SPAR Women’s Challenge Port Elizabeth.

This year runners, walkers and everyone involved can expect some exciting improvements at the SPAR Women’s Challenge on Saturday, May 6 in Summerstrand.

These include a bigger and better race village at Pollok Beach. Organisers have moved the race village to the larger grass field next to Pollok Beach to allow for easier flow as well as accommodation for a larger parking area, food trucks and entertainment arena.

The 10km race starts at 7am and the organisers have allowed an hour gap before the 5km race, which begins at 8am.

“We’re also excited to announce The Herald as our media sponsor this year,” SPAR advertising and promotions controller Roseann Shadrach said.

“A new introduction to our race this year is a 20-page Herald supplement that celebrates the beautiful women of the Bay and is packed with really exciting reading material,” she said.

“The Women’s Challenge is a really special event for us as it is a celebration of womanhood. It’s a special time for all women to come together, and it’s our way of thanking the wonderful women who are such loyal custodians of our brand.”

She said SPAR had always aligned its brand with health, family and good living, and therefore the Women’s Challenge was a wonderful fit.

The Herald editor Brett Horner said they were proud to have come aboard as the media partner this year as the SPAR Women’s Challenge had grown into an institution over the years.

“We hope the association will continue, allowing us to bring our media expertise to this great race and, in a small way, doing our bit to help maintain its special status on the running and social calendar,” he said.

“With a bit of luck, the weather will be on our side this year and I extend an invitation to all women to get involved and enjoy the spirit of what is a magnificent day in this fine city of ours.”

Online entries are open from today and close on May 3. Enter online here.

The Little Ladies’ Race takes place on Monday, May 1 at 9am and entries for this race close on April 29.

For more information, visit the SPAR Eastern Cape Facebook page.