Runners kick up dust in the league

This seventh of eight league events was held on Tenbosch Farm by Athletics Mpumalanga, in partnership with Komatipoort Akademie and sponsored by Pam Golding Nkomazi.

Athletes from all over the district used the opportunity to score enough points to qualify for the Mpumalanga Championships on August 13.

Runners from ages five to 70 completed laps of one kilometre and two kilometres.

The top three athletes in each category received a medal.

Some of the local winners (in their categories and age groups) included:

• Siegven van Dyk (u/7) of Komatipoort Akademie in second place.

• Chayla Pretorius (u/10) of Komatipoort Akademie in second place.

• Felicity Sibande was first, Bongeka Sithole second and Mandisa Nkosi third, all three u/12’s of Definition Athletics Club.

• Emmarencia Masina was first and Alicia Mnguni second in u/13, both of Definition Athletics Club.

• Nelza van Niekerk was first and Isabel du Plessis second in women 30-34.

• Avril Pretorius of the Komatipoort Athletics Club was first in her age group for senior women and Suzette Meuer second.

• Pierre Odendaal and Deon Meyer were first in their age groups for senior men.

It was the third year the event took place in the Nkomazi area and the organisers hope to host an even bigger and more successful one next year.

Organiser Boikie Gama was satisfied with the turnout and happy with the great venue, as the long, dusty stretches of road proved perfect cross-country terrain. He also praised Komatipoort Akademie for their willingness to assist him and their great organisational skills, which ensured everything ran smoothly.

The last in the eight league events will take place at the University of Mpumalanga on Saturday from 08:30.

Enquiries: Boikie Gama on 082-977-1665 or 084-511-0483.

View more photos here.