Top female athletes from the Free State, Kesaoleboga Molotsane and Louzanne Coetzee, will look to reclaim the Spar Women’s Virtual Challenge 10 km grand prix title for South Africa.

As Ethiopian star Tadu Nare recorded six wins in the series last year, South Africa had to settle for the second place. Molotsane finished as South Africa’s highest-ranking athlete.

This virtual series, launched in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, is aimed at inspiring women to conquer their challenges.

• Online entries are open, and runners can participate in the junior, open and senior categories.

The main event is scheduled for 3 September, with other races taking place on 28 May (Gqeberha), 26 June (Durban), 16 July (Mbombela), 6 August (Tshwane), 2 October (Johannesburg) and 23 October (Cape Town).

Each race is restricted to 500 participants, and the winner of each race is guaranteed R30 000.

Points will be awarded to the first 20 runners in the open category, with 20 points awarded to the winner and one to the runner placing 20th.

Points will be awarded to the first five finishers in each of the senior category age groups (40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60 and older).

Entry costs R120. Participants will receive a virtual challenge pack comprising a virtual challenge T-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff and a medal.

Interested parties can visit the website sparvirtualchallenge.co.za to generate a race number and finishing line certificate.