Race Report - SA Cross Country Championships

What a beautiful day to run a race. Sunny and not a cloud in the air. It was awesome to see all the athletes of all the different provinces. We were about 10 athletes running for Mpumalanga in my starting block. Our race was the first race for the day on a track with unexpected challenges.

The course was the full-monty of cross-country - hills, sand traps, dust and even a water trap. The race consisted of a 2 km lap, resulting in 4 laps for us doing 8 km. After 3 laps I wanted to die, the altitude in Potchefstoom is something that needs to be taken into consideration, I could not breathe and getting air into my lungs was nearly a impossible task. 

The highlight of the day was seeing Zola Budd destroy her field and younger, she ran in the category 30-59. She is in a league of her own, and as a fellow runner and supporter you can only stand in awe of her. 

Elroy Gelant won the senior race in both the 12km and 4km, with a 45min break between the two races. Our juniors did well in each of their categories, our club and province can stand proud. It was fun watching such young talent perform at such a high level. It was a well organized day, a big thank you to ASA.

Thanks to everyone for the support.

Fanie Bekker

2013 SA Cross Country Results