Karabo Mailula and Kabelo Mulaudzi bag ASA cross-country titles in Gqeberha

Mailula, specialising in the 10,000m, achieved the win in 36:48:23 despite challenging windy conditions, while Mulaudzi secured his inaugural senior cross-country title in an impressive time of 30:26:03.

Maintaining a commanding lead in the women's race from the start, Mailula never faced serious competition throughout the race.

As a result, the Athletics Gauteng North runner will now represent South Africa at the World Cross Country Championships scheduled for March 2024 in an unconfirmed European location, after Croatia withdrew as hosts.

Carmie Prinsloo, a Youth Olympic representing Free State, clinched silver in a time of 37:16:08 to continue her strong rise on the senior stage.

In the men’s competition, Mulaudzi, while representing Central Gauteng Athletics, ended a two-year wait since he last won the title, with with the loss of Mbuleli Mathanga, who had previously been a back-to-back champion before tragically took his own life last month, as the backdrop of his triumph.

The 25-year-old's recent success extends beyond this win, as he triumphed in his past five 10km races, including the Absa Run Your City Durban and Tshwane events, the Hollywoodbets Durban Summer 10km race, as well as the Central Gauteng Athletics cross-country championships.

Pakiso Mthembu, representing Kwa-Zulu Natal, crossed the line as runner-up in 31:09:07 to collect a silver medal.