The first 2019 ASA-NWU Cross Country Gala Grand Prix took place this past Friday, 9 August, at the NWU Rag Farm with a host of sea- soned athletes and local youngsters battling it out for victory in their respective categories. A fun run and corporate relay also added to the jam-packed entertainment of the day.
The experienced Joel Mmone took first place in the 10 km senior men’s section in a time of 30:13.
Palesa Lehasa took first place in the 10 km senior women’s race in a time of 46:49. The ever-impressive Robert de Villiers was first across the line in the junior men’s 8 km race in 26:46. Danielle Verster of Gimmies outlast-ed Volkies’ Cara du Preez in the exciting junior women’s 6 km race. Verster took the first place in a time of 22:10 just in front of Du Preez in 22:53. The NWU Athletics Club’s best performer was Itumeleng Sesiko who won the men’s senior 4 km race (u.23) in a time of 12:21. Ane Venter (NWU) also took the 4 km race victory (u.23) in 15:48.
According to Ruben Gouws from NWU-Sport, an organiser of the event, it was a massive success. “The day started with a Fun Run where we raised funds for FAMSA, followed by a company rally which turned out to be really successful. Furthermore we had fantastic cross country competition in the ACNW event,” he added.
Another exciting and unique part of the event was the solar panel lights that were used during the evening races, as well as the event being streamed live on YouTube. This promises to be an annual event, especially after the success of this one on women’s day.
