The Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) has so far hosted two cross country league meetings on the 22nd of May and the 6th of June 2021. These meetings have given athletes a chance to qualify for the province’s upcoming championships which will be held at the Kagiso Sports Complex.
During the first meet at the Dobsonville Communal Hall, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) athlete, Prince Mcabelo won the senior men’s 2km in 6:41, narrowly winning against his nearest competitor by 40 seconds. Marriette Botha, a ‘sub veteran woman’ according to Athletics South Africa (ASA) guidelines, finished with the second fastest time of the day in her category’s 4km cross country race. She finished with a time of 19:57.
Other impressive races in Dobsonville included that of Phemelo Ntoe (4km) and Rachel Leistra (10km). Ntoe won the men’s Under23 race with a time of 13:25. This was one of the captivating events of the day, as Ntoe led from the start of the race without any serious opposition.
During his post-race interview, Ntoe said, “I’m quite impressed with my performance. Before the event, my aim was to focus on running my own race and reaching my own personal optimum level of performance rather than putting too much pressure on myself. I am happy that I won the race.”
Rachel Leistra won her race in 41.57, leading her nearest rival with a 4 minutes 4 seconds.
At the second league in held at the Boksburg Stadium, Elvis Mokhonoana won the senior men’s 4km race in a time of 11:46. Mokhonoana is the recent 800m and 1500m champion of the University Sport South Africa (USSA) athletics competition which was held at the UJ Athletics Stadium.
USSA half marathon champion, Nicole van der Merwe, came second in the 4km women’s race in a time of 14:37. Nineteen-year-old, Chris Pule and Ntombenhle Seabi, won their respective Under23 4km races in 12:21 and 15:40.
The CGA is yet to host three cross country meets. These include Orange Farm on the 19th of June, Westonaria on the 3rd and Alberton on the 17th of July 2021. The three meets will enable the athletes to qualify for the provincial championships (14th August) and national championships (TBC).