Teams from 15 high schools recently took part in a challenging cross-country event at Calvary Christian College. The tough course tested the athletes’ fitness and their determination.

Principal of Calvary Christian College, Barkhuizen, said: “This is a tough cross-country track and in places really technical. In the past, our athletes trained on relatively flat courses. That did not help us when we competed against teams from KwaZulu-Natal because they trained on hills.”

He highlighted that the new trail is helping athletes prepare for more demanding competitions. “The course is guaranteed to prepare our athletes better for any course they might face,” he added.

Athletes from schools including Sir John Adamson High School, Hoërskool President High School, St Martin’s School, Waterstone College, St Andrew’s School for Girls, Mondeor High School, Covenant College and Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic School represented their schools proudly.

The senior boys completed a 6km race, while the senior girls, junior boys and junior girls competed in 4km events.

The difficult route left many runners exhausted. One girl joked after crossing the finish line, “I’ll never do this again.”

However, the spirit of cross-country running often brings athletes back for the next challenge.

The event also formed part of the selection process for the Gauteng South team. Athletes are required to finish in the top eighteen positions over five events to earn provincial colours.

Those selected will compete at the inter-provincial championships in Tshwane later this year.