Blanche Moila celebrates historic 100th Spar 10km race

Moila became only the fifth runner to reach the milestone, making it a memorable moment at the Tshwane event, which attracted a record 18 000 entrants.

The 69-year-old former nurse said she felt deeply honoured to join the exclusive 100-race club.

Having travelled across South Africa for decades to compete in the popular Spar series, she reflected on the sacrifices she made, often using her own money to attend races.

Moila was emotional after receiving a special gift and warm recognition from the organisers, as fellow runners and supporters celebrated her achievement.

"It's really such an honour to reach this milestone as mentioned before. I am really watching the footsteps of legends Sonja Laxton, Grace de Oliviera, Janene Carey and Rene Thomas. You know Spar is such a special series and I do try to run as many as possible obviously when the pocket can support me and I am privileged to be in a group of ladies that have done so many," said Moila

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Moila also shared the secret behind her longevity in the sport and offered advice to young runners hoping to enjoy long and healthy careers in athletics.

She said maintaining balance in life, staying active, and looking after both body and mind had helped her continue running for many years.

She encouraged young athletes to embrace sport and make it part of a healthy lifestyle.

Moila, who made history as the first black woman to receive Springbok colours in athletics, said it is satisfying to see today’s runners competing freely and enjoying the sport without many of the challenges athletes faced in the past.

She praised the current generation for their performances and said she enjoys celebrating the impressive times being produced in modern road races.

Her biggest wish is to see South African athletics reach even greater heights, with more runners qualifying for the Olympic Games and stronger development structures being created for young athletes.

She believes Africa remains the home of distance running and hopes South Africa can continue producing world-class talent.

Despite celebrating one of the greatest milestones in the history of the Spar Women’s Challenge, Moila insists she is not ready to retire from running.

She says she no longer competes for results, but continues to run because she loves the sport and values the joy, fitness, and healthy feeling it gives her every day.