Sore legs, chest pains and all … The Mackay siblings, Matthew and Kaitlyn, will overlook all that and challenge for a podium position in any race.
A few hours after an afternoon in Ruimsig during the Schools Track and Field Provincial Championships, where Kaitlyn finished second in her category and qualified for the nationals, they were back racing at the Benoni Northerns Marathon on March 5.
Kaitlyn won the women’s 5km race, while Matthew finished first in the junior category and eighth overall in the men’s 10km.
Some will call this madness, but the Benoni High Athletic Club (BHAC) members say once you catch the bug, you will never go back.
Under the guidance of coach Glen van der Westhuizen, the middle-distance runners are having a season to remember on the track.
After four 3 000m events and four podium placings at the CGA track and field league meetings, Kaitlyn is looking forward to the provincial championships on March 11 and high school nationals in the Free State the next week.
“I have enjoyed myself this season. I’m going to the nationals for the first time and looking forward to the competition,” she said.
The 13-year-old Benoni High learner explained her dominance in the 3 000m, “For the first quarter, I start fast, then jog for a bit and then increase my speed. For the last quarter, I give it my all.
“I enjoy the 3 000m. It gives me time to gain speed, catch my breath and then speed up to make it to the podium places.
For Matthew, the ultimate goal is the Olympic Games. To reach that goal, he knows he has to unlock his inner power.
“These races and events are all to gain experience and build up to that,” he said.
A specialist over the 3 000m and 5 000m distances, after four races during the CGA track and field season he has been in the top five four times, making the podium twice.
He says he is looking forward to the provincials and hopes to seal his place in the team to represent CGA at the Athletics South Africa Track and Field National Championships, which would be a great achievement as he has only been to the nationals for cross-country.
Matthew says he and Kaitlyn owe their improvement to Van der Westhuizen, who has been more than a coach to them.
“He’s helped us so much. We’ve had ups and downs, but he’s got us to where we are today – running personal best times and qualifying for the nationals,” Matthew said.
Also Read: Podium finishes for locals at CGA league meeting
Also Read: Local athletes shine on the track and field
