Maria Shai and Thuli Mbatha struck gold in their respective categories at the ASA cross-country championships at Curro Hazeldean in Pretoria on September 5, while Kate van Jaarsveld capped an injury-plagued season with an impressive fourth-place finish.

Shai went into the over-35 women’s 4km in the form of her life and quickly settled into the leading group. Athletics Free State’s Estè van Tonder and Border Athletics’ (BORA) Hanlie Botha took control midway through the race. Still, Shai remained composed in third, knowing the sub-veteran title was within reach.

Unfazed by the two leaders, Shai maintained her discipline on the demanding course, negotiating the hills and obstacles with ease to cross the line third overall in 15:32.83 and claim gold in the sub-veteran category.

Chantelle Breytenbach of Gauteng North took silver in 15:34.55, while Shai’s Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) teammate Cornelia Joubert finished third in 15:43.33.

An injured Van Jaarsveld finished 11th overall in 16:06.72 and fourth in the sub-veteran race, behind Joubert.

“I’m feeling good because I prepared for it. I’m happy with my race today. Iyoo! The course is hilly. It’s a tough course, but I’m proud of myself. I did it,” said Shai.

The victory comes just a year after Shai gave birth to her son, and she admitted that her return to competitive running required plenty of hard work.

“It was tough, but if you want something, you must train like a slave. Then you will win easily. I’m proud because I’m not only a mother. I’m everything at home and I have to work hard.”

On balancing motherhood with competitive running, the 39-year-old credited her husband and first-born child for their support, describing her achievement as a miracle from God.

“Truly speaking, they help me a lot. It’s becoming a little bit easy. I want to thank God. I wasn’t expecting this because I’m still making my comeback. This means I’m working hard and it’s paying off,” she said.

Shai also lined up in the senior women’s 10km, completing the five-lap course in 39:51.31 for fifth place and helping CGA secure team gold. She left the championships with three gold medals, including the sub-veteran women’s team title.

Meanwhile, Mbatha claimed gold in the masters women’s 50-55 category after completing two laps in 17:06.02.

She finished ahead of CGA teammate Phyllis de Fouw and Sunet Eybers of Athletics Gauteng North.

Mbatha, De Fouw, Maria Vilakazi and Judy van der Wagen combined to secure team gold for CGA in the category.

ALSO READ: EAC delivers memorable cross country showcase in Daveyton

ALSO READ: Eagles soar to Champions League cross country title