The SPAR Women's 10km Challenge, which was held at the Parktonian sports grounds in Randburg, coincides with Breast Cancer month and a portion of proceeds from the race go to Reach for Recovery, a support group for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The Reach for Recovery volunteers have all had their own encounters with the disease, and so they are in a perfect position to talk to and counsel women who have just heard those ominous words "you have breast cancer."
Although some of South Africa's top athletes, like Irvette Van Blerk, Rene Kalmer, Zintle Xiniwe, Annerien van Schalkwyk, Ntombesintu Mfunzi and Catherine Skosana were competing for the top spot, the race was really all about the thousands of ordinary women and girls who took part just for the fun of it.
The Spar women's challenge was also a fun day for the whole family, with a variety of food stalls, a children's play area with jumping castles, clowns and face painting as well as live entertainment provided by Denim, who are widely regarded as South Africa's top party band.
The Johannesburg Skin & Body Renewal staff participated in the Women's challenge on the 26th August 2011. Although none of us claimed any top positions, we had loads of fun walking for a cause!