Laser-sharp focus during this event a prerequisite

The South African National Laser Run Championships were held at Mankele on June 24.

A total of 112 athletes from six provinces made their way to the Lowveld to take part in this exciting competition.

Laser run is the last event included in the modern pentathlon, which comprises of fencing, freestyle swimming and equestrian showjumping. In the pentathlon format, cross-country running and pistol shooting are combined to form the laser run and alternate rounds of shooting with running.

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The races are fast-paced and include rounds of laser pistol shooting from 5m to 10m and running laps from 300m to 600m.

The athletes, in their respective age categories, sprinted to the shooting range, where they had to hit a target in the green five times before they could set off to run. The distance of the run as well as the number of rounds at the shooting range depend on what category they participate in.

Not only do the winners of each category get to boast the title of being a national champ, they will also get the chance to qualify to represent South Africa at the World Laser Run Championships in Bath, England, later this year.

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The Mpumalanga team managed to end up on the winners’ podium four times. Giann Wessels won their first medal in the boys’ U15 race when his fast and accurate shooting and his endurance on the course saw him cross the finish line first, claiming the gold medal.

In the boys’ U13 race, Schalk Loock managed a silver medal, while George Neuhoff (boys U11) took home the bronze in his age group.

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Chantal Middel competed in the women’s 40+ category. She ran a spectacular race and raked in Mpumalanga’s second silver medal of the day.