Run Alex athletes reflect on tough ASA Cross Country Championships debut in Pretoria
Jimmy Malesela Masetloa and Takalani Msibi say competing at national level was a steep learning curve after taking on the ASA Cross Country Championships.
Run Alex athletes Jimmy Malesela Masetloa and Takalani Msibi have described a tough day out during their debut at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships.
The pair competed in Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) colours at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria on September 5. Masetloa said the race was made harder by it being his first time competing at this level. “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 said maintaining his pace through the race was one of the biggest challenges of the day. “I managed to pick up a team prize bronze medal, position 21 overall. In the senior category, I placed ninth. It was a very good experience because, even though it was hard, I managed to maintain the pace for almost the whole race,” Masetloa said. “I would like to thank all my coaches and everyone who was there for their support.”
Msibi, another Run Alex athlete who also competed in CGA colours, said she was elated to have gone through the experience, despite how tough it was. “It was tough, but all went good. It was my first experience, but everyone told me that I did very well,” she said.
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,” Msibi said.
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Run Alex recently described the selection of Masetloa and his teammates as a significant achievement for the club, the athletes, and their families. “It is a reflection of the work, commitment and consistency that these young champions have shown throughout the season,” the club said.
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