Parys Multisport presented League 3 of the Fezile Dabi Open Cross Country League at the Koedoeslaagte Trail Park and Venue on Saturday, 5 June. Despite the imminent threat of Covid-19 and sub-zero temperatures over the weekend, the event organisers managed to present a safe and successful event. A total of seven clubs (Harmony Striders, JCS Independent, Nedbank RC, Parys Multisport, Parys Primary School, Salomon Senekal School and Sasolburg AC), represented by 72 athletes, entered the third league and semi-final stage of the 2021 Fezile Dabi Cross Country Running League.
“The event is still in its infancy, but we see a constant growth in entries as word gets around about the fantastic venue, the format of our presentation and strict safety protocols,” says Pierre Fourie, the chairperson and CEO of Parys Multisport. “The restrictions on entries for face-to-face sporting events like this come at a great cost, but it also ensures a safer, better- controlled environment for our athletes and personnel.” Saturday’s programme was initially scheduled to start at 08:00, but weather forecasts for the weekend steered the decision to start the league an hour later.
As the sun rose over Koedoeslaagte, the athletes were greeted with a frost-covered, fairy-tale wonderland and temperatures as low as -4°C. By 09:00, the temperatures began to rise into the single digits and the first athletes lined up at the start. “When we start training for cross country running during the late summer and autumn months, I have to remind athletes that cross is a winter sport and that they will not be hampered by the challenges of running in the heat. When the first frost greets us, it is time to lace up for cross country. It wouldn’t be a winter sport without winter,” says Pierre. “Many of our athletes have already achieved qualifying times, making them eligible for the Fezile Dabi cross country team that will move on to compete at the AFS Cross Country Running Championship later this season. “League 4 is scheduled to take place at Koedoeslaagte on Saturday, 24 July 2021. League 4 also incorporates the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Championships.
Entries are still open until Saturday, 17 July 2021, for athletes who want to take a shot at the district title. “We have a great time and the athletes enjoy the opportunity to compete and participate in a truly authentic sport. However, none of this would be possible without the athletes, sponsors and volunteers. Parys Multisport extends a special word of thanks to its sponsors: Koedoeslaagte Trail Park, Anatomic, CSS Security, The Wound Clinic, Silver Edge Studio and the Parys Gazette for keeping us updated on the latest news and developments.”
