Parys Multisport presented the first of four league meetings of The Fezile Dabi Open Cross Country Running League at Koedoeslaagte Trail Park the past weekend.
For some athletes, it was their first time trying out cross country running, while others welcomed the return to running an official cross country race again for the first time since 2019. The weather conditions were perfect from start to finish. Four clubs – (Parys Multisport, Sasolburg AC, Nedbank RC and Parys Primary School) – were represented by athletes of all levels, ranging from nine years to 67 years old. New health and safety protocols, combined with a new true-to-sport cross country course evened out the playing field between the experienced and beginner athletes. Parys Multisport is moving ahead with the preparation of the second league on Friday 14 May 2021. Athletes who have not yet entered the league and would like to qualify to compete at the Free State Provincial Cross Country Championships can still do so.
Athletes can enter to compete in this series of league meetings at any time, but entries for League 2 closed on Tuesday, 11 May 2021. The main objective of presenting the Fezile Dabi Cross Country League is to introduce cross country running as a sport, introduce the concept of family participation in competitive sport, identify electable provincial and national athletes, and offer a winter sport that athletes of all ages and walks of life can participate in for fun and fitness.
The Fezile Dabi Open Cross Country League is open to all affiliated athletes from all provinces (ASA) in South Africa. Athletes from seven years and older (100+) may enter; the only requirement is that athletes are af- filiated with a club or school (home-schoolers affiliate with a club) that is registered with Athletics South Africa (ASA). Parys Multisport pays special tribute to the volunteers, marshals and officials for their time and assistance on race days. Parys Multisport also extends a special thanks to the following sponsors who make this event possible: Koedoeslaagte Trail Park, Anatomic, CSS Security, The Wound Clinic and Silver Edge Studion. Visit www.fezdxc.co.za for more information, registration, and league results.
