The thirdleague of the Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Seriestook place in perfect weather conditions on Saturday, 27 May, at Nelson Mandela University’s fieldswith 523 competitors.As the league events move closer to the Cross Country Championships, the competition is stepping up with athletes aiming to reach qualifying times and selection into the EPA Cross Country team.
An impressive total of 40 schools and 31 clubs competed on Saturday.EP Athletics cross country chairperson, Attie Williams, applauded the turnout of both athletes and spectators.
“The competition between clubs and schools is hotting up, with the biggest school entry which is also top of the EPA school league is Uitenhage Primary School, with 24 competitors and Atlantic Aces club is the biggest club entry and top of the EPA Club league with 47 competitors,” reported Attie.
EPA Sponsorship Liaison, Mike Mbambani, was impressed with how much the Cross Country participation has grown this season.
“Cross Country is the development part of the Legacy Project which is sponsored by Nelson Mandela Municipality. “It is so encouraging watching parents and their young athletes running around the venue cheering them on.“From the 1km early runs to the 10km open races, all were well supported, and I too was chasing my 6 year old son, Anaye,” added Mbambani.
The 10km race was won by Sinethemba Jilingisi, running for Ikhamva athletics club,in a time of 33.14, followed by Bongani Banda, of Chillies, in second position in33:38, a few seconds slower than his second position finish in the second league, with MelikhayaKepe , of Nedbank,following closely behind in third position in 33:40.
Kaitlyn Wolff, of Achilles Athletic club, was the first woman to finish the 10km in 42.41. Asanda Zamisa, of Madibaz, finished second in 43.58, followed by SiphosethuMavatha, running for Sibaleka Nani athletics club, in 44.03.
The 4km Men’s race was won bySiselo Mashaba, of Madibaz, in 13:10, followed Silendokuhle Tsotsa, of Tinarha, in second place in 13:19.Warren Matshabela ,of St Albans athletics club,finished in third position in 13.37.
Kayla Nell, of Charlo running club, was the first woman to finish the 4km in a strong time of 15:13. She was followed by Adri Wessels, of Run4Christ athletics club, in 15.44, withLisa Kingston, of Nedbank running club, in third position in 16.42.
The NMB Cross Country Series consisted of four league meetings, EPA Championships and an Inter-Provincial planned to prepare the athletes for the upcoming National Championships.Prize money has been allocated to the top three male and female athletes participating in the 10km and Open 4km.
The fourth andfinal Cross Country League eventwill take place from 09.00 at Bergsig High School in Kariega on Saturday, 24 June 2023.
For event inquiries, please contact EPA office on epa@pe.co.za or 041 374 2818.