Parkrand middle-distance sensation Kai Hattingh heads into this weekend’s Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10K brimming with confidence after delivering back-to-back podium finishes in the space of two days.

The rising star secured second place at the MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon 10km race on May 1 before backing it up with another runner-up finish in the 5km event at the Colgate Road Race at Boksburg City Stadium on May 3.

Those performances add to her second-place finish in the women’s 10km at the Benoni Northerns Marathon last month, underlining her consistent form ahead of one of the country’s marquee 10K road races.

Hattingh produced a gritty run in wet and challenging conditions at Carnival City, crossing the line seventh overall among women and second in the junior category.

Just two days later, she was back in action, finishing second in the 5km race after a tightly contested sprint finish against Alberton youngster Hayley Niewenhuys.

Also Read: Hattingh claims Absa Run Your City 10k junior title

“I’m chuffed with what I’ve been able to accomplish so far. It’s all due to hard work. My dad is really putting in the work behind the scenes to ensure I’m ready for Cape Town on Sunday,” said Hattingh.

With little recovery time between races, Hattingh admitted her legs were still heavy at the Colgate event, but she used the race as an opportunity to adapt to different conditions and sharpen her racing approach.

“I’m happy with the performance. My legs were a bit tired after the 10km race at Carnival City but I enjoyed the duel with Hayley. The goal is to keep improving and do well in the Absa Run Your City series,” she said.

Niewenhuys, meanwhile, was equally pleased with her effort, particularly after navigating the demanding course.

“I’m very happy. There were lots of hills and my legs were feeling it at the finish. It was great racing against Kai – I loved the challenge,” she said.

The 11-year-old Kenton Primary learner will now shift her focus to the upcoming schools cross-country season.

Also Read: Hattingh secures her first podium finish at Absa Run Your City