Botha achieves PB at league meeting
He finished third in his category and 13th overall.
Nedbank Running Club junior runner Keagan Botha clocked a PB of 05:49 to finish third in the junior men’s 2km at the seventh CGA Cross Country League meeting at the Germiston City Sports Club on July 20.
Botha chalked 01:09 off his previous personal milestone of 06:40 achieved at the sixth league meeting in Westonaria on July 6.
The Brakpan resident attributed his performance to the field of runners, which included top runners Nicholas Seoposengwe and Sanele Msomi. He finished 13th overall and third in his category.
“The race wasn’t too bad, especially running with the seniors. They pushed me to do better. Although the course was hilly, it wasn’t a bad race at all,” he said.
“The competition was better today than it was in the previous meeting. It was definitely a better race.”
While most of the 17-year-old’s peers were readying themselves for the provincial championships on August 17, that is not the Hoërskool Die Anker Grade 11 learner focus.
“My main focus is not on cross-country at the moment. I’m focusing on road running, specifically the 5km, 10km and the 1 500m for track. I’m using cross-country to build my fitness.”
The runner said cross-country was beneficial because it increased endurance and leg strength – what he needs to have a successful road running and track career.
Botha’s pedigree on the road is well-documented. He was second in the Benoni Northerns Marathon 10km men’s race after crossing the line in 34:18. He grabbed another runner-up spot in the Colgate Race men’s 15km race when he clocked 50:49.
He also qualified for the national 5km championships in Bloemfontein on October 27 after placing fourth in 15:54 at the CGA 5km champs, incorporated into the Beyers Greenstone Run on March 24.
“I see myself doing well in track and field and road running. That’s why I’m pushing myself to compete with the seniors because I don’t have a competition in the juniors,” said Botha.
The 15:54 at Greenstone was decent and certainly puts him in contention for a medal in Bloemfontein. He is determined to push himself to do well for CGA and his club.
“That’s what my focus is on. I’ll try to win the juniors’ category. It’s an emotional thing, and I want to do it for my club and province.”
