The third league of the Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Legacy Series took place in perfect running conditions on Saturday, at Varsvlei, in Bethelsdorp.
A number of the local top athletes were out of town competing in the Absa Run Your City Durban 10km, but the event was still well supported, and a fun morning of fitness was enjoyed by many schools and clubs.
The finishes of the competitive 4km and 10km distances were tight, with Ikhamva athletics club claiming the top two men’s positions in both distances.
In the men’s 4km, Sinethemba Jilingisi, 22, finished first in a time of 0.12.01, with team-mate, Lithobe Menzeleleli, 24, at his heels in second position in 0.12.03. Keanu Domingo, 22, of North West University, finished third in a time of 0.12.19.
In the men’s 10km, Cwenga Nose, 23, crossed the finish line first in 0.32.13, closely followed by team-mate Sinawo Poti, 22, in 0.32.34. Zolani Mabongo running for Nedbank finished third in 0.32.43.
On the women’s front, Kayla Nell, of Charlo athletics club, defended her title and sped to the finish of the 4km in 0.14.55. She was followed by Refeloe Solomons, of Nedbank running club, who finished in second position in 0.15.35, and Fredah Ncube, of Madibaz athletics club, finished third in 0.16.25.
Refeloe Solomons also grabbed the winning title of the 10km which she finished in 0.42.09, with Kaitlyn Wolff of Achilles AAA, finishing in second position, in a time of 42.22, followed by team-mate, Leigh Callaghan, who finished in third position in 0.42.35.
EP Athletics cross country commission chair, Zolani Mqoqi, noted the continued strong support of the NMB Cross Country Series league events and explained the role of cross country in athletic training.
“When the road running season is off, cross country comes in, so athletes do not lose their fitness levels.
“Cross country is a great terrain where extra fitness is gained.
“So the purpose of cross country is two-fold, it is a solid development platform and it gives our athletes the opportunity to sharpen their skills and god-given talents for the next running competitions,” added Zolani.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Series consists of four league meetings, EPA Championships and an Inter-Provincial planned to prepare the athletes for the upcoming National Championships.
The fourth and final Cross Country League of the season will take place at 09h00 at St Albans Correctional Services this Saturday, 13 July.
For event inquiries, please contact EPA office on epa@pe.co.za or 041 374 2818.
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