Hattingh finds her stride after mid-year setback
She finished on the podium in all the races she participated in last month.
Despite a prolonged spell on the sidelines mid-year threatening to derail what was shaping up to be one of Kai Hattingh’s best seasons, the Parkrand middle-distance sensation is showing encouraging signs of a comeback and is on course to finish the year stronger than she started it.
Although the 15-year-old Nedbank Running Club junior athlete is still not fully recovered, her recent performances, particularly her podium finish at the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km on October 18, suggest she is steadily finding her way back to form.
Hattingh clocked 47:01 to win the junior women’s race in Nasrec, a week after finishing second in the 7.5km at the Tommy Malone Race at Boksburg City Stadium.
“I’m super stoked with the victory. The first 4km was tough and the hills were demanding. It was a tough race, but I enjoyed it,” she said.
Also Read: Hattingh claims Absa Run Your City 10k junior title
She carried that momentum into the Benoni Northerns Night Race on October 21, where she finished second in the junior women’s 10km in 43:23, before claiming another runner-up spot at the Thembisa Mile and 10km Race four days later in 46:42.
The youngster, who owns a 10km personal best of 40:47, set at last year’s SPAR Women’s Challenge in Durban, admitted that she is still working her way back to full fitness. However, she is encouraged by how her body is responding to the demands of training and racing after her illness.
“After a rough two months battling a bout of flu, I’m very thankful that I have recovered and I’m still able to do what I love. I’m still not 100%, but I’m working hard to get back to form. I’m happy with how things are going. I’m thankful to my Creator for my health and talent,” said Hattingh.
The Leewenhof Academy learner believes her recent performances have laid a promising foundation for what she hopes will be a successful 2027 season, with consistent outings in the SPAR Women’s Grand Prix and Absa Run Your City series among her key ambitions.
“I’m really happy with my progress. It was really tough mid-year with the illness. My preparation for next year continues, and hopefully it’s going to be a good 2027 season for us. I’m really looking forward to the SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km and the Absa Run Your City series.”
Also Read: Hattingh encouraged by ABSA Run Your City Tshwane performance
