Run Alex athletes Jimmy Malesela Masetloa and Takalani Msibi, who both competed in Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) colours at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships on September 5 at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria, described a tough day out on their first appearance at the event.

Masetloa said competing at national level made the race particularly challenging. “It was so tough, plus it was my first time running the ASA Cross Country Champs. So I tried by all means to maintain my strategy and go according to the plan from my coaches, that I must not put myself under pressure, and that I must relax all the time and go with the flow, because it was my first time,” he said.

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He noted that maintaining his pace throughout was one of his biggest hurdles. “I managed to pick up a team prize bronze medal, position 21 overall,” he said. “In the senior category, I placed ninth.”

He described the event as a valuable learning experience despite the difficulty, adding that he managed to hold his pace for almost the entire race before thanking his coaches and supporters.

Msibi said she was elated to have gone through the experience, despite how tough it was. “It was tough, but all went well,” Msibi said. “It was my first experience, but everyone told me that I did very well.”

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Looking ahead, Msibi said she has set her sights on qualifying again next year, and on fixing some of the mistakes she made this time around. “I will never give up on my goal,” she said.

Last week, Run Alex described the selection of Masetloa and Msibi as a significant achievement for the club, the athletes, and their families, noting it reflected the work, commitment, and consistency shown throughout the season.

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