Boksburg resident Nikisha Walters checked off a major bucket list item when she completed her first road race at the Tommy Malone Memorial Road Race on October 13 at Boksburg City Stadium.
Walters participated in the 5km race, and what began as a test of endurance ended in total jubilation when the 15-year-old was the third lady at the finish, earning a maiden podium on her first attempt in the distance.
The Grade 10 Hoërskool Oostelig learner described this achievement as a big milestone, especially because she only started running this year.
Responding to how it felt to clock a top-three finish in her first race, she said, “I am extremely happy. I was not expecting it. It was my first road race. This is a big milestone in my running journey to do my first road race”.
She was among the front runners at the start of the race, settling behind the leading men and runaway leader in the women’s race, Kai Hattingh.
The runner sported a huge smile when she hit the blue tartan track inside the stadium to proceed to the finish, where she crossed the line to complete the event in third.
“The feeling is indescribable. I have never felt anything like that. I have not participated in any school athletics; I ran on my own. So, it felt amazing.”
Her mother, Nellie, said she was proud of the athlete.
“I think for her journey, it is an important milestone. We are proud of her for pushing through and giving her the best,” she said.
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