Hanlie Botha confirmed yet again that she is one of Border’s top athletes of all time when she won the South African Cross Country Championships in her age group, but more than that beat every younger challenger in the same race.
A gold medal at that level is exceptional and Botha’s winning time of 15:20 for the 4km Middelburg route at altitude encouraged the comment “it was a nice experience, very nice”.
She further paid homage to the Border team and commented how smart everyone looked, especially when they were all together in the stadium and elsewhere.
She said opposing teams commented to her on their apparel.
The course is always important in cross country and Botha loved it and added “there were three little climbs and the grass was well trimmed throughout”.
“The weather was good, though later in the day the temperature did rise and a wind came up, though East Londoners may not have noticed had it not been for the dust.”
The sharp turns on the route played into Botha’s hands in that it was easier to identify her opposition.
She ran the first 180m hard as did most in the field and then tucked in behind the first 35-year-old, Cornelia Joubert.
She was followed by a further two 35+ runners who after the first lap were about 12m off the pace.
Botha had raced Joubert previously and suggested “let’s go”, however, she never responded and fell back, allowing Botha to take charge.
“On the first lap I felt amazing, but on the second it became more difficult and I realised it was the altitude clicking in,” Botha said.
If Border spectators know anything about Botha it is that she has one goal in mind and that is to win.
Because her nearest opposition were not in her direct age group, she felt no pressure, save what she put on herself. “I expected a kick would come, but it never did.”
Botha won comfortably in 15:20 for the 4km race.
Botha said she was so happy that her husband, Leon, and youngest daughter, Milaney, were able to watch but saddened that Danieka, the eldest, was not, having been forced to withdraw due to injury.
There was good backup for Botha in respect of team support with her provincial and clubmate, Andrea Ranger, finishing 5th in the 40+ category with a 16:38.
Ranger was only eight seconds off the podium, with the third athlete in 16:30.
Makaya Masumpa, a third member of Easy Equities Born2Run contingent to Border, and a veteran of many South African Championship races on the track, road and turf, ran in the 55-59 age category, finishing the 8km race in 9th position with a time of 33:05.
A more detailed look at results is expected to produce further reporting along with that of the Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon and the Sanlam Glacier half marathon.
Daily Dispatch
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