20-07-2025
Hattingh in top 10 at ABSA Run Your City Durban 10k
Though she's still adjusting to competing with the elite runners in South Africa's premier 10km races – the SPAR Women's 10km and Absa Run Your Series 10k series – Kai Hattingh is happy with her progress.
The 14-year old Parkrand distance runner clocked a top 10 finish in the junior women's race at the Absa Run Your City Durban 10k on July 13.
Averaging 04:08min/km, the Athletics Gauteng North youngster clocked 41:13 for sixth place in her category and 41st overall in the women's event.
'It was a tough day on the road. It was a little bit different from the SPAR Women's race. I'm still getting used to the fast pace but overall, I'm super happy with my performance,' she said.
This performance follows her 40:47 for 15th place in her category at the SPAR Women's 10km Challenge Durban on June 22.
'Both races were my first real test in the 10km. Athletics is in a healthy environment in our country. There's so much competition. It motivates me to run next to all these amazing and hardworking elite runners.'
The Nedbank RC athlete attributed her performance to lining up next to her provincial teammate Wiepke Schoeman, Athletics Central North West's (ACNW) and Potch Track Club's (PTC) Alri Verster and women's 10km record holder Glenrose Xaba.
'To run with Glenrose, Wiepke and Alri inspires me to aim for the stars. It makes me strive to give my best in every race. It's my first year in the distance and I'm seeing a lot of improvement,' said Hattingh.
The Leeuwenhof Academy learner's rapid improvement started in January when she dipped under 20 minutes in the 5km for the first time in her career when she clocked 19:58 at the Springs Striders Race.
Since then, she moved up a distance, making her 10km debut at the Randburg Harriers Valentine's Day 10km in February. She clocked 42:35 before finishing the Qhubeka AC Human Rights Day 10km women's event in a personal best 40:18.
'I am thankful for the opportunity to run. I want to be the best and only hard work can help me get there. Thanks to my parents, Nedbank and SPAR Southern for their continued support.
Next up for the athlete is the SPAR Women's Challenge Tshwane 10km on August 2 and ABSA Your City Tshwane on August 24.
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