2024 Cross-country running season off to a flying start

The 2024 ASA cross-country running season has started across all provinces in South Africa.

The National Cross Country Running Championships is at the Vaal University of Technology
in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday, 7 September 2024.

“With Nationals being so close to home and cross country continuing to gain popularity, we are seeing a significant increase in participation numbers this year”, says Mr Pierre Fourie, organiser of the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League.

“We have completed two of the six leagues, and nearly 50 athletes have already achieved the district qualification times. With over 20 clubs and schools participating in
the 2024 League, we expect to see a very high standard of performance. It is clear from the start that athletes are in it to win it”.

The Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League started in 2021, and the number of participants continues to grow by an average of 25 per cent, year on year.

Cross-country running is an endurance sport that requires an athlete to complete a trail/
course over natural terrain as fast as possible. While most athletes compete for team selection, many athletes also participate in crosscountry as a winter activity or to
gain from the fitness and endurance benefits it provides for the next track season.

The third district league at Koedoeslaagte is on Saturday, 1 June.

Four leagues remain, and it is not too late for athletes who still want to make the cut.

“The Fezile Dabi League expanded in 2024 with a subsidiary league presented at Trio in Kroonstad.

With 10 league meetings for Fezile Dabi, of which six leagues, including the district championship, take place at Koedoeslaagte, this may be one of the largest events on the running calendar for Parys,” added Pierre.

The Fezile Dabi League also hosts a 2 km and 4 km fun run for those who are still new to the sport or want to take a shot at the course for fun. No ASA licence or club affiliation is required to participate in the fun event.

Parys Multisport thanks its sponsors, athletes, and the community for making it possible
to host such a prestigious event.

Visit www.fezdxc.co.za for more information about the event, how to enter, event programmes, and results

Photographs by: RAW Kalahari Photography Mel Fotografie