Kate van Jaarsveld shared a tight embrace with her two sons after wrapping up an injury-filled provincial season with a bronze medal at the CGA cross-country championships on August 15.

Van Jaarsveld, who has struggled for form due to a persistent foot injury, blazed through two laps of the 2km Germiston Soccer Club course to finish third in the sub-veteran women’s 4km race in 16:16.

After a frustrating season, despite visits to a podiatrist and other efforts to treat the injury, the Farrarmere resident felt she could have done better.

“I’m a bit disappointed but can’t complain considering the only form of training I’ve done is cycling at the gym. I can’t run as my foot is too sore,” she said.

“Unfortunately, it’s not coming right. I’m going to have to rest it hope it will come right, literally.”

In a fast and tactical race, the Nedbank AC athlete maintained her tempo and did not attempt to chase race leaders Maria Shai and Cornelia Joubert of Boxer.

Shai stretched the field from the gun, with Joubert keeping a close watch, while Van Jaarsveld and Jessica Maitland-Stuart settled into third and fourth.

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Joubert wrestled control from Shai early in the second lap, while Maitland-Stuart also moved clear of Van Jaarsveld. The Benonian, however, remained firmly in contention for a category podium.

Joubert crossed the line in a quick 15:12, with Shai second, 12 seconds adrift, and Maitland-Stuart third.

Van Jaarsveld, visibly battling to lift one foot off the ground, followed in 16:16 to finish fourth overall and third in the sub-veteran women’s race.

Considering her injury struggles throughout the season, Van Jaarsveld, a teacher at Edenglen High School in Kempton Park, was satisfied with her achievement.

“I’m very happy. Obviously you want to aim for more. I always go out with a positive attitude and the idea that I will do well.

“Although perhaps I don’t do as well as I want to, overall, I’m happy with my achievement.”

With the ASA cross-country championships in Pretoria looming, Van Jaarsveld is not optimistic about a podium finish but intends to give it her all.

“I think I must be happy with being able to take part, perhaps. I’ve made it to nationals and don’t want to be overly optimistic.

“I don’t think there’ll be a chance of making the podium, but I’ll be there to run. Hopefully the injury heals, and I can come back with a bang next year.”

Also Read: Van Jaarsveld battles to bronze at nationals