Hattingh secures her first podium finish at Absa Run Your City
She finished in second place in the junior women's race at Absa Run Your City Joburg 10k.
Kai Hattingh was all smiles after storming to her first podium finish at the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K, held at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on Heritage Day (September 24).
The rising junior athlete, from Parkrand, showed her promise with a strong second-place in the mass participation junior women’s race, crossing the line in 43:52 to secure her breakthrough podium just months after making her debut in the series earlier this year.
“It was an exciting race. I had the perfect start. It was very windy, especially on the highway, and there were lots of uphills, which made the course very challenging. But I enjoyed it. I got my best position in the series in my first year running the 10km,” she said.
The 14-year-old Nedbank Running Club runner described this year as a blessing after also making her debut in the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge and winning several 5km road races, including the fun run at the Ford 3-in-1 Spring Race in Pretoria on September 28.
“I finished in the top ten in all my Absa Run Your City and SPAR Women’s Challenge races, with the Joburg leg of the Absa Run Your City being the cherry on top after my first podium. I am pleased.
“I will be better prepared next year, knowing what to expect. I was so blessed this year. I am thankful to my club, Nedbank and SPAR Southern for their unwavering support.”
The runner is now preparing for the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) 10km championships, which will be incorporated into the Thembisa Mile on October 26.
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