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South African road running star Glenrose Xaba has set her sights on making history in the Spar Women’s Grand Prix series as she maps out an ambitious 2026 season.
Xaba is currently tied on three series titles with Rene Kalmer, Irvette Van Zyl and Tadu Nare, but a fourth overall victory next year would see her stand alone as the most successful athlete in the history of the competition.
While the goal is clear, the Boxer Running Club star admits the task will not be straightforward as she balances her road running commitments with marathon racing and her Commonwealth Games ambitions.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Xaba revealed that she may be forced to miss one or two Grand Prix races as she juggles a packed calendar that includes a return to the track and longer-distance events.
The national marathon and half-marathon champion enjoyed a remarkable year on the roads, highlighted by a sixth-place finish on her marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon last month. She also made history in the Spar series by winning five races, becoming the first athlete to achieve the feat.
“My wish is to win another series and become the most successful runner, but also to inspire young athletes,” said Xaba. “I always want to inspire them. At the same time, I want to go back to the track for the 5 000m and 10 000m, run the marathon, and still find time for the 10km races in both the Spar series and the Absa Run Your City events. I hope that missing one race won’t affect my chances too much next year.”
Xaba’s success on the road also translated into financial rewards, as she earned over a million rand in prize money this year—an achievement she says reflects her hard work and commitment to the sport. She notably sacrificed competing in the World Championships marathon in Tokyo, despite qualifying, in order to focus on domestic competitions.
Looking ahead, Xaba is eager to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where she hopes to represent South Africa in both the 5 000m and 10 000m events in July and August. The Games form part of her longer-term plan to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“It will be a busy 2026, but we can manage it with my team,” she said. “I have a strong support structure that helps me with my preparation.”
Xaba is coached in Tshwane by legendary multiple Olympic 800m gold medallist Caster Semenya and her partner Violet, and trains alongside talented athletes such as Karabo Mailula and Karabo More. She is managed by renowned agent Lee-Roy Newton, who previously worked with Olympic silver medallist Luvo Manyonga.
