"I'm jealous it wasn't there when I ran" - René Kalmer praises innovative Cross Country Champions League

Olympian René Kalmer has thrown her weight behind the Champions League Cross Country series, praising its fresh, team-based concept after the opening time-trial stage at Pinnacle College Rynfield in Benoni on Sunday May 10. Kalmer believes the innovative event has the potential to reshape perceptions of cross country running in South Africa.

"I think it's an awesome event and it's going to grow into something really big. It's so well organised, so hats off to the organisers for pulling it off. It's professional and the kids are having a blast," she told #TheTopRunner.

Chelsea van Dyk on top of the podium after winning the points for the Rhinos. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

The two-time Olympian watched as more than 300 runners, from U7 to U19, tackled demanding 1km and 2km courses. The routes tested athletes with water crossings, thick grass, vegetation trails and technical hilly sections - all while racing for team points. Kalmer was particularly impressed by the shift from the traditional individual format.

"It shows that cross country doesn't have to be an individual sport. It can be a team sport as well. I'm a bit jealous it wasn't there when I was running," she said. "I like the concept where it was a sprint race today. It keeps things fun and interesting — it's not just boring cross country."

The event attracted both emerging and established talent, including ASA junior and youth double silver medallist Michael Bekker, 800m specialist Caitlyn Dukoff-Gordon, steeplechaser Jade Doran and serial national age-group champion Chelsea van Dyk. Six teams — Mavericks, Kudus, Stallions, Eagles, Rhinos and Pythons — are guided by respected middle-distance coaches Willie Engelbrecht, Tian Basson, Simonay Weitsz, Franco Oosthuizen and Jared de Waal. Race director Michael van Aswegen said the team format is central to their vision of evolving the sport.

Middle distance sensation Michael Bekker on the course during his 2km race. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"Cross country has become too individualised. We're trying to build a culture where athletes understand they are only as strong as the team around them," he explained. Drawing inspiration from American collegiate athletics, Van Aswegen emphasised the value of camaraderie and collective effort.

"You can have individual stars, but success at that level comes from the strength of the team. That's what we're trying to replicate — getting both athletes and parents to buy into that mindset."

Central Gauteng Athletics and Boxer AC elite junior competitor Leandri Kriel tackles the course at Pinnacle College in Rynfield, Benoni as her coach Willie Engelbrecht looks on. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

The league also borrows from cycling, adding a competitive edge across stages. Time-trial leaders will wear green socks, challenge-stage winners earn polka dot socks, and the overall leaders after three stages will don the yellow jersey heading into the relay finale. Champions League Sports founder Craig van Dyk said cumulative times across stages will determine the overall standings, before the series concludes with a team-focused relay on May 31.

The next league event takes place at Prime View Adventure and Leisure in Olifantsfontein on May 17.