District’s best battle for cross-country glory
Podium finishes secure regional championship qualification spots for young local runners following fierce local track competition.
Randfontein High School (RHS) hosted the Gauteng West District Cross Country Championships, with athletes from local primary and high schools producing strong performances and earning podium finishes and places in the team for the Gauteng Championships.
In the high school boys U17 6km race, the rivalry between Kgothalang’s Azania Noah from Bekkersdal and Riebeckrand’s Stephen Joubert continued after their previous encounter at the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Cross Country Championships in Germiston.
Joubert emerged victorious on the day, crossing the finish line in 00:18:51, with Noah taking silver in 00:19:04. Tumelo Konyana from host school Randfontein High School finished third in 00:19:38.
Runners battle across age divisions
Noah, who represented the nation in Florida, USA, last year, said competing in both the CGA and district championships within a week had been tough on his legs.
Another strong performance came from Noah’s Warriors of West Athletics Club teammate, Relopafaditswe Ntsane of Maputle Primary School in Bekkersdal, who finished second in the boys U11 3km race. Themba Tsimba from Sedimosang in Mohlakeng won the race, while Jess Monareng from Hartz Street Toekomsrus finished third.
Gabielle Mimie from Muldersdrift won the girls U11 3km event, with Portia Moni from Isiqalo in Bekkersdal second and Lisakhanya Sotomela from Thutuzekani third.
Kgothalang’s Boitumelo Sampane won the Girls U16 4km race in 00:15:06. Taya Pelser from Monument finished second in 15:27, while Iza Radebe from Randfontein High School took third in 00:16:05.
