Hattingh hopes for another successful road running year

Now with the full support of the Nedbank Running Club, young Boksburg middle distance runner Kai Hattingh believes her only limit this year will be the sky.

The 13-year-old is one of the province’s best young up-and-coming road runners after a successful 2024 on the road where she raked in several victories in numerous races around Gauteng.

“For this year, I will leave it all in my Creator’s hands. I’m with the full backing of Nedbank as my sponsor; the sky has no limits.”

After showing her talent in trail running three years ago, the former Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) junior runner then took part in her first cross-country season last year and that made her transition to the road seamless.

“At the start of last season, my coach and I set realistic goals. Never did we think we were going to achieve all that we did. We went from the BNAC to Nedbank, which was a big change for me but the support I received was out of this world,” she said.

Also Read: Boksburg trail runner continues good form in series

With a PB 20:32 in the 5km, achieved in her last race at the final Brooks Campus Run in Randburg on December 1, the youngster will focus on the 10km this year, in particular the Spar Women’s Challenge and Absa Run your City series.

This will be a big shift for the runner but it is one for which she is prepared after a dominant year that included wins at the Tommy Malone Memorial Race, Jacaranda City Marathon 5km challenge and the Brooklyn Road Race 5km event.

“I was pushed by my goals. We started the year with a PB of 26:00 and ended with an improved 20:32 over the 5km. It’s all thanks to the support from my family and coach. I love running. It makes me rest and takes all my stress away.”

While her focus is on the road this year, she will only start participating in track and field, specialising in the 1 500m and 3 000m, from next year.

Hattingh takes inspiration from three-time Comrades Marathon winner and the up-run and down-run record holder Gerda Steyn, whose never-die attitude carried the Laerskool Baanbreker alumnus to her success last year.

“Gerda is my idol. I want to win the Comrades Marathon and represent our country at the Olympics.”

Also Read: Kai podiums at Midvaal Madmac