Central Gauteng Athletics proudly hosted the first league of 2021 Cross Country Season powered by the Tsogo Sun Hotels and National Lotteries Commission this past Saturday, on 22 May 2021 at Donsonville Communal Hall in Soweto.
The day commenced with the 1km boys and girls U8 Category, where we witnessed greater performances from the young stars who displayed an exciting show and thirsty to run after experiencing a setback of approximately 2 years due to COVID-19 regulations.
Elihle Nyezi of United Stars AC was confident with her form when she sped away from the boys in the back straight of the final loop to claim the first victory in the 2021 season by clocking 04:46. United Stars AC dominated in the boy’s U10 category seeing Sihle Nyezi finishing straight to win a contest 2km race in a brilliant time of 08:44
The first of five Cross Country leagues was also aimed at giving the Veterans, Masters and Grandmasters athletes to compete and prepare for a smooth season under the COVID-19 regulations after not participating in any running activities outbreak of the pandemic.
One of our prodigious events was the 4km Senior Men which saw Phemelo Ntoe of UJ Athletics Club leading fellow runners from the gun without facing any serious opposition to register a victory in a time of 13:25. “Well, l must say I am inspired with my performance before the event l told myself that l will focus on running my own race and reach my own personal optimum level of performance rather than putting too much pressure on myself”, said Ntoe during the post event interview.
A long-awaited senior men 10km event was stunningly fast from the start which saw the two greatest middle distance runners Kabelo Melamu and Kabelo Seboko unfold a race into a two-man contest. With one loop to go, Seboko kicked away from his intense rival to score his first league victory over Melamo in the time of 33:12 and 33:19 respectively. At the post-event interview, Kabelo Seboko said that the race was merely to push each other although he knew that he will charge in the last loop.
CGA Cross Country Chairperson Steven Khanyile in a post-event interview highlighted that the commission commits to giving athletes an opportunity to compete throughout the 2021 Cross Country season which is shorter than the normal season. The season will consist of 5 leagues. The athletes have to run a minimum of 3 leagues plus the provincial championships to be selected to partake in the National Championships. He explained that the main reason for reducing the leagues was guided by the venues available for us to comply with COVID-19 regulations and protocols. It is important for CGA to have control of what is happening so that we’re not labelled super-spreaders of COVID-19.
Herewith, please find the attached updated Complete Results for the 1st league.
Please also visit this link for photos and category results:
The above link will also be used to enter the next league on 5 June 2021 at Boksburg Stadium. Entries will open on 26 May 2021 and close on 1 June 2021.
Should you need any further information do not hesitate to contact our office.
Looking forward to seeing you on 5 June 2021 at Boksburg Stadium.
Kind regards,
Central Gauteng Athletics:
Office Phone: 011 873 2726
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