wo athletes from Parys Multisport will represent Team South Africa at the African Masters Athletics Championships at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria between 16 and 18 November 2023.

Eugene Martins (M65) will compete in the non-stadia 6 km cross-country event on Friday, 17 November. Pierre Fourie (M45) will compete in the 200 m sprint on Friday, 17 November and again in the 100 m Sprint on Saturday, 18 November.

Eugene is a very experienced long-distance runner and a familiar face in the road running and Comrades Marathon communities. But it is on the cross-country course where Eugene proved himself a strong contender in the past two years.

Since he started with cross country running in 2022, Eugene earned two district championship titles, two provincial championship titles, and a top-20 position at the National Championships. In the track season, he also competes in distances between 1,500 m and 5,000 m, where many talented athletes half his age are stunned by his running performance.

Pierre is also a familiar face in the local running community, where he coaches athletes and also actively participates and competes in athletics. Since 2020, Pierre has earned 11 provincial championship podium positions and two national championship podium positions in the 100 m and 200 m events. During the off-season, he participates in cross-country and road running events to maintain his fitness, but his talent as a sprinter shines through during the summer months on the track.

Parys Multisport wishes both athletes all the best for the Championship and congratulates them on their achievements and the privilege to represent South Africa. Contact Parys Multisport Club for more information about masters’ athletics.