Kai takes strides to help those in need
Every time she wins, SUPERSPAR Southern gives her R1 000, which she will donate to charities of her choice.
Young Parkrand runner Kai Hattingh expressed her excitement after SUPERSPAR Southern in Germiston announced it would sponsor her following her road running achievementss in the past three years.
Hattingh (13) has dominated 5km races at various events since 2022, including last year’s Benoni Northerns Night Race, Tommy Malone Memorial Race at Boksburg Stadium and more recently, the Springs Striders Race, in January.
This sponsorship will enable the Nedbank Running Club athlete to give back to the needy and animal shelters.
“I am grateful because I can help people and animals in need,” she said.
Hattingh’s performance at the Springs Striders Race convinced SUPERSPAR Southern owner Michael Gouveia to back the former Laerskool Baanbrekker learner. She left Gouveia in awe when she out-printed seniors on the finishing straight.
“We decided to give her a small sponsorship. Every time she wins, we will give her R1 000, which she will donate to charities of her choice to support the community,” said Gouveia.
Gouveia explained he saw a future in Hattingh, adding after watching her race in Springs, it was a no-brainer to sponsor her.
“She does extremely well. We know we are going to pay because she wins nearly everything. When a girl of 13 years is beating 18- and 19-year-olds, it was a no-brainer,” he added.
Hattingh will make her first donation to the Boksburg SPCA if she wins the junior ladies’ 5km race at the Overkruin Beast Race in Pretoria on March 29.
With a sub-20 minutes PB in the 5km, the youngster will gradually move to the 10km. She will participate in the Absa Run Your City 10km and SPAR Ladies Grand Prix for the first time.
She clocked 42:35 in her first unofficial 10km race during the Randburg Harriers Valentine’s 10km race before crossing the line in a PB 40:18 at the Qhubeka Human Rights Day 10km race on March 21.
The youngster, who admires South African ultra-distance queen Gerda Steyn and marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya, will also run in the CGA cross-country season, which starts in May.
Also Read: Kai podiums at Midvaal Madmac
Also Read: Kai sets new PB at race
