Some hard-fought battles are expected on Saturday, with Kabelo Mulaudzi and Karabo Mailula lining up in defence of their national senior titles at the SA Cross Country Championships in Vanderbijlpark.
Mulaudzi and Mailula, who won gold in the senior 10km races in Gqeberha last year, will both be aiming to retain their crowns this weekend.
Neither of them, however, will have it all their own way against strong fields.
Mulaudzi is up against the likes of Nicholas Seoposengwe, the SA 5km champion on the road, as well as Chris Mhlanga and Andries Sesedi.
In the women’s 10km race, Mailula is going to have an even tougher time defending her title against a line-up which features Olympic marathon runner Cian Oldknow, consistent performer Cacisile Sosibo and experienced athlete Kesa Molotsane.
4km races
Exciting contests are also on the cards over the 4km distance.
In the men’s 4km race, Olympic athlete Ryan Mphahlele will be difficult to beat, while the women’s race includes Mailula, as well as track stars Simonay Weitsz (the defending champion) and Fina Dube.
The 2024 SA Cross Country Championships, to be held at Isaac Steyl Stadium, will include over 4 100 athletes competing across all age groups over various distances.
The programme starts at 7.30am with the 8km race for veteran and master men, and it concludes at around 5.30pm.
The annual national championships will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools.
