Though the club may not have had many athletes finishing on the podium, Benoni Harriers juniors coach Richard O’Donoghue had plenty to be proud of after the effort displayed by his athletes at the CGA Open Track and Field Championships at UJ Athletics Stadium on March 13 and 14.

Kiana Pepler was the club’s only medal winner, claiming silver in the U18 women’s 800m after completing the two-lap race in 02:22.38.

Running against the clock, Pepler produced a determined effort as she chased the 02:20.50 ASA national championships qualifying standard, but ultimately fell just short after a hard-fought race.

Despite missing the mark, it was still a successful championship for Pepler, who can also reflect positively on finishing fourth in the 1 500m. She covered the three-and-three-quarter laps of the track in 05:11.35 to round off a strong showing.

While O’Donoghue will be pleased with the commitment shown by all his athletes, he will be particularly proud of Alexander Whitehead’s performance after the youngster clocked a personal best of 02:08.87 in the U18 men’s 800m.

Speaking to the Benoni City Times while strolling along the sidelines after cheering on his brother Jonathan, a delighted Alexander could hardly contain his excitement after lowering his best time over the distance.

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“You see how much we’ve improved?” he said.

“I am so happy. We are running well, and I’m enjoying this. I also set a new personal best.”

Jonathan also delivered an encouraging performance, finishing his heat in 02:15.02, while Ocket Winter clocked 02:12.16 in the two-lap race.

In the U16 boys’ 800m, Gareth Jonas and Marcel Volschenk crossed the line moments apart. Jonas stopped the clock at 02:14.45 after fading in the final 200m, while Volschenk recorded 02:28.10 to finish sixth in his heat.

Francois Redelinghuys will also look back at the championships with pride after finishing seventh in the 800m in 02:30.87.

In the metric mile, Emma Hickley placed fifth overall in the U18 girls’ race in 05:01.90, while Kaitlyn Mackay finished fifth in her heat in a flat 05:13 to place 13th overall, capping off a promising championship for the Benoni Harriers contingent.

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