'I want to dominate like Gerda and Glenrose' – Talented teen Kai Hattingh inspired by Steyn and Xaba

Motivated by Gerda Steyn and Glenrose Xaba's success, Nedbank Running Club development runner Kai Hattingh is putting in the hard work to emulate South Africa's foremost female long distance runners' achievements. Steyn, a five-time Comrades Marathon winner, and Xaba, two-time winner of the SPAR Grand Prix and the national women's marathon record holder (2:22:22), have become national icons, inspiring many women - including Hatting - with their dedication and success on the road.

Hattingh wants to follow in the footsteps of Gerda Steyn and Glenrose Xaba. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

"I want to be dominant like Gerda and Glenrose. They inspire me so much," Hattingh said.

The Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) athlete, inspired by both top runners' resilience and athletic prowess, is striving to reach similar heights. Having dominated several 5km races in both north and south of the Jukskei River, the 14-year-old from Boksburg competed at the SPAR Women’s Challenge Durban on Sunday June 22, crossing the line in 40:47 to take 15th place in the junior category which was won by 18-year-old Wiepke Schoeman in 37:08 as Xaba ran 31:54 to win the overall race.

"I really enjoyed the race. I felt good on the road, even though the pace was fast. I'm happy with my performance. It was my second sub-41 after my first in the Gqeberha leg of the Grand Prix. It was the best feeling ever to line-up alongside my idol, Glenrose. The support was great. I'm now focusing on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K (July 13). I'm working hard to improve my performance," she told #TheTopRunner.

Hattingh is looking forward to taking part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. Photo Credit: Lebogang Pita.

The Leeuwenhof Academy Grade 8 learner's performance in Durban follows an impressive 12th place in the U14 girls' 4km race at the Interprovincial cross country championships in Rustenburg, on June 14. Despite this being her first full cross country season, Hattingh's determination has resulted in positive results, which culminated in her selection to take part in the interprovincial cross country champs hosted by Athletics North West North.

"I had such an inspirational interprovincials. The athletes around me were so supportive. I'm so blessed to be part of a huge event. Thank you to Nedbank and my sponsor, SPAR Southern." The teen also aims to qualify for the ASA cross country championships in Middelburg in September.