BAC’S Venter helps CGA to team silver at nationals

Charlotte Venter mounted a strong challenge to clock a top 20 finish and help CGA to a team silver medal in her category during the SA cross-country championships on September 7.

Venter finished the sub-veteran women’s 4km race in 15th position after toiling around the tough and hilly Izak Steyl Stadium course in dry and windy conditions. She tore through two laps of the course in 16:45, smashing her own PB.

“I worked hard to prepare for the nationals. I set out with a goal in mind and for everything to fall into place feels very satisfying. I smashed last year’s PB and was at my peak on Saturday,” she said.

Her CGA teammate Kate van Jaarsveld won the race in 14:32. Estè van Tonder of Athletics Free State finished a second after crossing the line in 14:33. The Western Province Athletics (WPA) athlete Kobbie Griffiths clinched the bronze in 14:39.

The Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) athlete looked comfortable on the course. She remained calm and ran her own race, despite the early pace-setters like Van Jaarsveld and overall winner Leilani Scheffer taking control of the event and dictating its tempo and pace.

“I felt strong and calm from the beginning. I am satisfied with the 15th position, considering I started running competitively three years ago,” Venter said.

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She credited her training before the event for conquering the five hills on the course, especially the 30m slog into the main field, while her most memorable moment in the race was passing some athletes in her final sprint to the finish.

“Though the course had many hills, I didn’t think they were that bad. My training in the past couple of weeks prepared me for that challenge.

“I still had the stamina to push hard at the end and could pass quite a few athletes before the finish. That was a satisfying moment, coupled with my time. I was elated. I left there smiling and could not wait to tell my husband and son, who were supporting me.”

After a bronze at last month’s provincials and an incredible CGA season, perhaps the expectation was that she would finish higher. Venter knows she gave it her all, especially because her performance also secured CGA a team silver medal she shared with van Jaarsveld, 11th placed Kefilwe Molefe (15:48) and Charine Kruger, who finished 16th in 16:50.

“It feels fantastic that I could help my team get that silver. Kate, Kefilwe and Charine all worked hard. I felt honoured to run with such a strong team. To go from running in my BAC colours at the league meetings to running for CGA is a huge honour.

“There is always room for improvement. My aim for next year is to be better, aim a little higher and run stronger. It would be nice to see my fellow BAC athletes participate in cross-country. It is a fun experience,” said Venter.

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