Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) wrapped up the provincial cross-country season on a high, collecting four gold medals, two silvers and a bronze at the CGA cross-country championships on August 15.

The absence of Chelsea van Dyk and Jade Doran was noticeable, but the club’s strong core of development athletes stepped up to keep Northerns firmly among the province’s leading clubs.

Mpumelelo Mokoena led the charge, claiming his first senior men’s 10km provincial title in a scintillating performance.

Siyanda Madlabane, Nolwazi Magwaza and Bokamoso Nonyane also carried the torch, successfully defending their respective titles, while Quinn Schonken capped a good season with a podium finish.

Veteran Thuli Mbatha and Samukelo Msibi also earned top-three finishes, booking their places in the CGA team for next month’s ASA cross-country championships in Pretoria.

Mokoena completed the five-lap course in 31:33 to secure his maiden provincial title, while Magwaza continued her dominance of the U10 girls’ 2km, stopping the clock at 07:35 for gold.

Nonyane produced another impressive performance to win the U12 boys’ 3km in 10:06, while Madlabane once again entertained the crowd with his best performance of the season, claiming his third successive provincial title in 12:59.

Mbatha finished second in the master women’s 50-54 4km race in 17:19, while Msibi ran a disciplined race to secure bronze in the U16 boys’ 6km in 19:56.

Also Read: Flawless Van Dyk and Madlabane win gold

While the medal haul provides plenty of encouragement, BNAC’s progress should not be measured by medals alone.

The club recorded six top-10 finishes, highlighting the depth developing within its ranks. Beginner Madison Johnstone also produced a strong and consistent performance in the U8 girls’ 1km, offering an encouraging glimpse of the club’s future.

Dominique Broughton finished sixth in the U10 girls’ 2km in 08:05, with Ava Brits taking ninth in the U9 race. Mila Rossouw and Alexia Visser narrowly missed out on podium places in their respective races.

Fast-improving Baxter Towers clocked 07:44 for fifth in the U9 boys’ 2km, while senior runner Sabelo Simelane finished seventh in the sub-veteran 35-39 8km in 28:20.

Fernando Covane also held his own in his race, finishing just outside the top 10, while young Joshua Broughton capped an impressive season with another strong performance.

Track specialists Megan Deeble and Jordan-Lee Longstaff also used the season to build a solid endurance base ahead of the upcoming track and field season, producing strong showings in the junior women’s 2km.

With the provincial season now complete, BNAC’s attention turns to the national championships in Pretoria before the sub-youth track and field season gets underway in October.

Also Read: BNAC’s Magwaza notches fourth cross-country league win