Benonians deliver at cross-country league
This was the opening meeting of the CGA cross-country season.
Benoni High Athletic Club (BHAC) runner Bronwyn Nel delivered a well-calculated performance to win the U19 girls’ 6km race in the first CGA cross-country league meeting in Tsakane on April 20.
Nel started slowly in an attempt to assess the course conditions, but once her legs took in the thick grass and patches of muddy water, she hit her stride to win the race by over 2:07.
After the first loop, Nel took total control of the race, sticking behind the leading boys to finish the race in 25:10, ahead of Gallopers’ Katelyn Steenkamp, who clocked 27:17.
“My coach told me to go easy in the first 2km to ‘feel’ everyone and then go for it afterwards. I tried to keep up the pace, but it was tough because it was hot and the grass was thick,” she said.
She was chuffed with her good start to the season, saying she plans to build up endurance to be at peak fitness for the provincials in August.
“From now to the championships, it’s endurance to peak and give our best performance there and at nationals.”
National and provincial champion, Chelsea van Dyk began her title defence with a commanding performance that saw her leave the field on her heels to win the girls’ U13 3km race in the first event of the day.
The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) runner led the race from the gun to the finish and clocked 11:57 for the win, beating second-placed Zanele Mzizi by 49 seconds.
“I just wanted to run and see how it would go because it was the first race of the season. It went well,” she said.
The Rynfield Primary School learner said she hopes for an injury-free season and if all goes accordingly, she plans to go to the nationals in September to defend her title.
The BNAC’s Siyanda Madlabane delivered another masterclass with an outstanding performance that saw him run unchallenged in a time of 14:22, 01:11 ahead of second-placed Menzi Ncapai of Katlehong Athletics Club.
Madlabane’s teammate Bokamoso Nonyane continued Northerns’ winning streak, running a good run in the boys’ U10 2km. He won the race in 07:29 while Kaden Price came third in the boys’ U9 2km. Alexia Visser grabbed the silver in the U9 girls’ category.
Jade Doran was third in the girls’ U15 4km after clocking 16:45. The BHAC’s Kiana Pepler came third in her category while Emma Hickley came fourth in the U14 girls’ race.
For the full league results, go to L1 Results 1
The second league meeting is in Randfontein on May 4.
Also Read: Van Dyk wins gold at nationals
Also Read: Coach to help athlete achieve her goal
