Learners from 10 to 19 years old from various circuits around the district participated in the event.
The U10s ran a 2km course followed by a second group of U11-U13s on a 3km track.
Depending on their age and gender, the other groups up to U19 ran between 4 and 8kms.
The Phalaborwa cluster excelled, winning nearly all of the prizes in the boys and girls U19 categories.

Lethabo Nthane, a Phalaborwa cluster learner who finished the 6km race in first place in the U19 girls’ category, was awarded a trophy for her achievement. She was followed by her twin sister, Mathabo, in the second place. Both said they intend to continue running after finishing school.
“Running is in our blood.

The plan is to proceed to regional level, and possibly something tangible might come out of there,” said Lethabo while her twin sister nodded in agreement.
Their wish is also shared by Lucky Mathebula, also from Phalaborwa, who got first place in the boys’ category after successfully completing the 8km race.

Mathebula said he was looking for a sponsor to help him with his running career.
“I want to proceed to national level, and I’m hoping to find a sponsor to help me with my sports career because this is what I want to pursue when I’m done with school,” he said.
According to Quincy Letsoalo, the sports coordinator for the Mopani district, the purpose of the event was to identify talent and get students ready for upcoming events.

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She said learners were given the chance to take part in sports at school in an effort to develop their talents. “This competition began at circuit level, and next week the provincial competition will be held before moving on to the nationals. During this process, learners are exposed to sports federations that are looking for talented athletes.

“In Mopani, we have athletes like Prudence Sekgobela, who recently competed in the Budapest World Athletics. She was identified in school sports events like these,” said Letsoalo.