Pepler claims first cross-country league win of the season

It was her first win in her division after finish second in the three previous meetings.

June 14, 2024

Lebohang Pita 2 minutes read

Kiana Pepler claimed her first win of the season.

Kiana Pepler of the Benoni High Athletic Club (BHAC) pulled off another incredible performance in the fourth CGA cross-country league meeting at Umthombo Sports Complex in Dobsonville on June 1.

The runner was among 1 500 athletes that competed in the league as the season reached the halfway mark.

After settling for second place in the three previous meetings, Pepler fought hard to record her first win of the season after clinching the U17 girls’ 4km.

Kiana Pepler from the Benoni High Athletic Club in action during the league three in Kwa-Thema last month.

She coasted to victory in 18:28, beating Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC)’s Nqobile Maseko, who clocked 18:35 for second place. Boxer’s Bronwyn Wagner completed the top three in 18:51.

Pepler’s teammate, Bronwyn Nel was runner-up in the U19 girls’ 6km. She completed the race in 25:38, 11 seconds behind winner Lika Strydom of Helpmekaar. Gift Nkosi from East Athletic Club (EAC) was fifth in the same race.

There were also top three places for the BHAC’s Camryn de Meyer and the BNAC’s Olwethu Ntombela and Carmen Kotze.

Camryn de Meyer was third in the junior women’s 3km race.

De Meyer was third in the junior women’s 2km race after crossing the line in 08:28 while Ntombela (10:11) was the runner-up in the U9 girls’ category in the same race.

Kotze recorded her second successive podium position after settling for third in the U13 3km race. She clocked 14:30 to complete the top three. Her teammate Kai Hattingh was seventh in the same event.

Kate van Jaarsveld was second, behind winner Cornelia Joubert, in the sub-veteran women’s 4km. She clocked 15:34 while Joubert won in 15:24.

Kate van Jaarsveld was second in the sub-veteran women’s 4km race.

Boys

Siyanda Madlabane and Bokamoso Nonyane of the BNAC recorded their fourth victories in four events. Madlabane won the U13 4km in 14:30, beating Pule Shamase (14:38) of Masai and his BNAC teammate Thabiso Thombela, who rounded-off the podium in 14:45.

Nonyane was in sublime form as he won the U10 2km race in 07:45. His teammates Bajamile Malibe (08:02) and Motlokwa Chaka (08:11) were third and fourth, respectively.

Bokamoso Nonyane won his fourth race of the season.

Ricardo de Ascencao was sixth in the U9 2km while Charlie Kupfer was seventh. Samukelo Msibi finished in fourth place in the U14 boys’ 4km.

The CGA cross-country commission chairperson, Val Brentano said she was delighted with how the event was supported, adding the performances on the day showed the depth of talent in the province.

Siyanda Madlabane won his fourth race of the season.

The fifth league meeting will be hosted by East Athletic Club at Marivate Park in Daveyton on June 22.

The entries open on June 12 and will close on June 18. Clubs and athletes can use the following link to place their entries: https://cgacrosscountry.wixsite.com/home

Also Read: BNAC’s Kotze happy with performance in cross-country debut

Also Read: Brooks remains unbeaten as challengers come from all sides