Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) proudly hosted its Provincial Cross Country Championships on Saturday, 19 August 2023 at Kagiso Sports Complex in Kagiso following a very successful 6 league season.
The 1st event of the day was the Sub Veteran, Veteran, Master and Grandmaster men athletes setting the tone for the day running a distance of 8km. Raphael Segodi of Rockies Athletics club open the podium with a great victory in a time of 25:55, Dorocious Makhobalo of Kempton Park Road Runners came second in a time of 26:19. The podium was wrapped by Rirhanzdu Rhangani of Rockies Athletics club finishing in the time of 26:55 to claim the bronze medal. In the Master men category we saw the CGA Athletes Commission Chairperson, Zongamele Dyubeni leading by example to claim a gold position in the time of 28:12.
The province is well known for its development and these ages definitely have to be the best events when it comes to delivering talent. In the Boys Under 14 event a hot event was witnessed where a great talent delivered with great anticipation from the audience on how the event was going to turnout. Tyran Brooks of Boxer as expected topped and dominated his age group event to defend his gold position which he maintained throughout the season. Brooks obtained the gold medal on the Provincial Podium clocking 13:05. Taking home, a silver medal also giving his best in this event was Siyanda Malone of Tembisa Athletics club in the time 13:24. In third position with a bronze medal was Sipho Elias Mollo representing Phuthuma athletics Club.
One of the fascinating and exciting events of the day was Boys Under 17 4km event where we saw the boys battle it out on the championships course. Realeboga Smith representing Mogale Citizens Athletics Club dominating the race from the 1st lap to claim a gold position on the provincial podium in the time 19:02. Claiming the silver position was Oratile Mashigo of Murray and Roberts in the time 19:32 and appearing on the podium with a bronze medal was Sphiwe Makhoba of Palmridge in the time 19:42.
In the senior’s races particularly the 10km senior women race, Cacisile Sosibo of Boxer Athletics Club defending her 2022 Provincial title dominating the women race with an impressive and improved performance of 35:48. Settling for the 2nd position in the time of 39:14 was Farida Zwane of Rockies Athletics Club also defending her silver position from last year and Kathryn Van Meter taking a bronze medal. Having observed these ladies’ improved times, we are definitely looking forward to great perfomances being delivered at the National Cross Country Championships in September.
The Championships were concluded with the 4km Senior Men and Women race which Cian Oldknow in the colors of Hollyhood Athletics Club claimed the Provincial title in the time of 13:23 and Sisanda Dumisa in UJ athletics club settling for the second position in the time of 14:38. Bernadene Mcloud of Runzone took the third position clocking 15:31.
In the post championships interview, CGA Cross Country Chairperson Val Brentano said she is confident that the province will be sending a very strong team to the 2023 Cross Country National Championships. She also highlighted that 2023 CGA Cross Country season was very successful.
Over the years, CGA has performed exceptionally well at the National Championships therefore great performances are expected and anticipated from the CGA Team. The National Cross Country Championships will be held on the 16th of September in Gqeberha.
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