Athletics SA, EP Athletics and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will be hosting the ASA Cross Country Championships this Saturday, 16 September, at the Nelson Mandela University Sport fields.
The best of South Africa’s Cross Country runners, ranging in age from 8 years to over 80 years, and covering distances from 2km to 10km, will be in action in a full day program between 07h30 and 18h00.
“Cross country is one of the toughest disciplines of running, said EPA President, Sticks Stiglingh.
“The beauty of it is that you can do it anywhere, on any terrain, and in any weather conditions, without any specialised equipment or shoes. “All you need is determination, strength, and a tough mind. “Cross country is the development arm of athletics in our province, and we welcome more than 40 athletes from rural areas in our EPA team of 247, as part of our vision to extend athletics into all corners of our province,” added Stiglingh.
With the support from 18 provinces, from as far as North, North-West South Africa, to Mpumalanga and the Vaal Triangle, 3900 athletes will be competing in their age categories for their personal best times and podium finishes.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has played a huge role in developing athletics in the Eastern Cape and South Africa via their sponsorship of EPA.
Executive Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, added his words of support.
“It is such a joy to host so many first-class national athletic events in our city. “We do not take this for granted and would love to build on the successes that we enjoyed thus far. “This is only possible with the continued support of Athletics South Africa, Eastern Province Athletics and the enthusiastic participation of athletes from all corners of our beautiful country. “In addition, our local talent development receives a major boost as young boys and girls see their role models compete on home soil. “You can count on our continued support for athletics and the wellbeing of our sportsmen and women,” said van Niekerk.
The highlight of the competitive programme will take place between 09.50 and 13.00 during the top races, which include Junior men and women, Senior men and women and 16- & 17-year-old men and women.
The national teams will be selected from these races and will compete in the World Cross Country Championships in early 2024.
ASA President, James Moloi, added his endorsement of the event.
“The ASA Cross Country Championships is a chance to showcase mass participation at its best as this event is where we best display the love the family has for Athletics in South Africa.
“The beauty of this event is in the enthusiasm of each athlete in each age group, this is a perfect Family Day in athletics.
“While the senior age groups offer us the seriousness in competition, the young provide the colour of the day, as they race each other mostly for the first time at this level,” said Moloi.
The event will be televised live by SuperSport and can be viewed on channel 216.
Spectators are invited to come and support this event and cheer on our EPA local runners. Access to the venue is R30.00 for adults. Tickets are available at the entrance, and card payments are preferred.
For event inquiries, please contact EPA office on epa@pe.co.za or 041 374 2818.