KZN athletes gear up for festive season races and youth championships

KwaZulu-Natal athletes are set to participate in various festive season road running events in the coming weeks. The AAK Crescent will take place on November 22 at Kings Park Athletics at 6am. This event is one of several annual festive season road running events that offer participants a chance to have fun and stay in good shape. Many runners use these events as an opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere and test their fitness.

The main attraction will be in Pietermaritzburg on December 6 during the annual SAPS Polmed Race, which will take place at Msunduzi Athletics Stadium at 6.30am. This community road running event offers participants a choice of 10km race and five kilometre fun run/walk, making it suitable for club runners, social athletes, walkers, beginners, families and local supporters. The event is expected to attract a large number of runners from all over KwaZulu-Natal.

Dion Sandile Ross, who won the Hyper Save Race (21,1km) last Sunday, shared his experience of participating in festive season races. He said that runners normally go out to have fun, sing along, wear festive gear and enjoy the race until the end. Ross added that the spirit of the runners is amazing and that these events help them stay in good shape during this time of the year.

In addition to the festive season road running events, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) will host the 2026 KZN Provincial Sub Primary Youth Track and Field Championships at Kings Park Athletic Stadium in Durban. The championships will bring together young athletes aged between six and 13 years old, providing a platform for emerging athletic talent to showcase their abilities and gain valuable experience.

The championships will cater for four age categories: 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years and 12-13 years, with a programme featuring various track and field disciplines. These include sprint events, middle-distance races, hurdles, race walking, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus and turbo javelin. The programme will also feature the triathlon for boys and girls aged 11 and the pentathlon for boys and girls aged 13.

The future of athletics in KwaZulu-Natal is a key focus for KZNA, which recognises the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to compete in a structured and supportive sporting environment. The championships form part of KZNA's commitment to developing athletics from grassroots level and encouraging young people to participate in sport.

KwaZulu-Natal Athletics invites the media, parents, athletics enthusiasts and the wider community to support the young competitors as they take to the track and field in what promises to be an exciting celebration of youth athletics. The event is expected to bring together clubs, schools, coaches, team managers, parents and supporters, all playing an important role in encouraging and supporting the development of young athletes.

Key points

• The SAPS Polmed Race will take place on December 6 at Msunduzi Athletics Stadium, offering 10km and 5km events for runners of all levels.