The first Fezile Dabi Open Cross Country Running League will take place at Koedoeslaagte Trail Park & Venue between 7 May and 24 July 2021. The Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League is also a district-level champion-ship event. It will be the first time that Parys host an athletics event of this kind sanctioned by Athletics Free State and Athletics South Africa. It goes without saying that the presentation of an athletics event of this scale is not easy.
The cross country running format as we knew it before the global Coronavirus pandemic, is deeply rooted in tradition, established over centuries. Finding new and creative ways to present this sport discipline within the boundaries of stringent health and safety regulations is challenging and Parys Multisport stepped in to bring it to Parys. “I am often asked what cross country running is,” says Pierre Fourie, the club chairperson and cross country running coach of Parys Multisport. “It depends who you ask, but cross country running will either be one of the most memorable experiences of your life, one of the most demanding races you will ever run, or both. Until now, cross country running didn’t get the exposure it deserves in comparison with other sports. But very few sport disciplines demand more respect and contribute to the upliftment of a community more than Cross.” “There is nothing quite like it and, of all the athletics disciplines, this is the one where family and tradition are most prominent. Cross country is a winter sport and athletes of all ages (7–100+ years), also known as Harriers, race on an open-air course over natural terrain. Race distances range from one kilometre to 10 km and depend on the athlete’s age and gender. The most popular advice coaches give before the start of a race is, go out fast, find your pace, dig deep and finish on empty.”
Based on international trends, the popularity of cross country and trail running is growing so fast that they may very well become the leading sport disciplines in the athletics arena soon. The Fezile Dabi Cross Country League promises to deliver and offers one of the most authentic cross country running courses that South Africa has to offer. The Parys Multisport Club extends special thanks to the sponsors and partners who have made this event possible: Koedoeslaagte Trail Park, Anatomic, CSS Security and Silver Edge Studio. “We also thank the Parys Gazette for keeping the community up to date with the latest news and announcements.
“Parys Multisport also credits the professional service of the SAPS, which assisted and guided us through the process of presenting a safe, legal event.” It took nearly two years of meticulous planning, preparation and adapting to new regulations to host this event and set the stage for the new projects and events to follow. “Lastly, Parys Multisport thanks the Parys community for their support and looks forward to welcoming all the Harriers at the first presentation of the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League.” Visit www.fezdxc.co.za or send an email to info@fezdxc.co.za for more information about entries and upcoming leagues.
