SA cross country championships to be held without any over-50 age groups

SA cross country champs to be held without over-50s

JOHANNESBURG, September 7 (ANA) – The SA Cross Country Championships next week, was on Tuesday expanded to a two-day event to be held on September 17 and 18 at Hutchison Park in Amanzimtoti south of Durban.

The championships will now host the eight to13 year-olds in addition to the 14 to 49 age groups following requests from member provinces. Athletes in the 8-13 category will participate in competition on September 17, while the 14-49 will compete on September 18.

Athletics SA (ASA) said it tried to accommodate as many age groups as possible, but it was agreed that the over-50 age group could not be hosted at the event.

Uncertainty around the spread of Covid-19 has affected many athletes, coaches and parents who had already made pre-bookings of flights and accommodation.

ASA president James Moloi said: “We are happy that we have managed to include as many age categories as possible, while remaining within the government restrictions and guidelines. We are also sad that at this time we cannot accommodate the category of 50 years and above.

“Nevertheless, we must not lose sight that we need to remain vigilant in the collective fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and must continue to minimise risks of infection wherever we can.

“Our goal is to save lives while complying with government health regulations and playing our part as South Africans. We regret and apologise all inconvenience caused to other athletes who cannot be accommodated.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman