POLOKWANE – Tom Naudé THS played host to a full day of endurance and community spirit on August 15, as schools, athletics and fitness clubs, universities, as well as organisations from across Limpopo gathered for the 2026 Limpopo Cross Country Championships.

A total of 715 athletes took part in the event, with races ranging from 1km for the youngest runners to 10km for senior men and women. The championships brought together learners, university student athletes, and veteran athletes in a showcase of talent from districts including Capricorn, Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Vhembe and Mopani.

Young stars shine in 1km races

The day kicked off with the 1km races for athletes born between 2018 and 2020. Melize Koekemoer of Laerskool Pietersburg-Oos (Oosskool) topped the girls’ field, while Y’hezqel van den Heever from Julian Muller PS won the boys’ race in 00:03:57.

In the 2017 age group, Amia Smit and Dipuo Managa led the girls’ 1km, and PJ Gee of Oosskool claimed the boys’ 2km title in 00:08:41.

Primary school athletes impress

Older primary school athletes also impressed. John Magale won the boys 2015 3km in 00:10:48, while Lume Blignaut of Oosskool took the girls 2015 2km in 00:12:12.

In the 2013 boys 4km, Ntshia Sethuke of Bosveld PS finished first in 00:18:43.

Tight competition in 4km and 6km races

The 4km races for 2011 and 2010 athletes saw tight competition. Itumeleng Seleka of Masai Athletics Club (AC) won the boys 2011 4km in 00:14:08, with host school athlete Nyiko Namela of Tom Naudé also featuring in the top 12. Rolivhuwo Shishivneli from Fitness For All club won the girls 2010 4km in 00:17:08.

In the longer distances, Adivhaho Mulaudzi of Mokopane AC won the boys 2010 6km in 00:19:38, while Keratiwe Legong of Masai AC topped the boys 2009 6km in 00:20:04.

University and club athletes dominate open races

University and club athletes carried the open races. Jankie Molele of University of Limpopo (UL) won the senior men 4km in 00:12:47, and Soné Oosthuizen of Oosskool won the senior women 4km in 00:20:01.

In the 10km, Maubane Kamogelo of UL won the men’s race in 00:33:14, while Mancha Mothomogold of Polokwane AC won the women’s 10km in 00:46:13.

Veterans also take to the course

Veteran categories also saw strong turnouts, with athletes from UL, SAPS, Nedbank, Le’ Club (Tzaneen) and other clubs competing in 4km, 6km and 8km races.

A celebration of running talent

The Limpopo Cross Country Championships once again proved to be more than just a race. With schools, athletic clubs and community organisations all represented, the event highlighted the depth of running talent in Limpopo and gave young athletes a platform to test themselves against the best.

From the 1km dashers to the 10km veterans, the day at Tom Naudé was a celebration of fitness, resilience and the growing cross country culture in the province.

Organiser congratulates athletes

Event organiser Kobus de Meyer congratulated all participants and gave special recognition to athletes from the host district.

“Congratulations to all the athletes from Capricorn District. Your performances, discipline and sportsmanship made the 2026 Limpopo Cross Country Championships a great success,” De Meyer said.