BY VUYISWA MABILA
MBABANE– Athletics Eswatini (AE) is gearing up to host a national Cross Country Event that will determine which athletes earn the honor of representing the Kingdom of Eswatini on the international stage.
Scheduled for Saturday, 25 October 2025, at Somhlolo National Stadium, the event will act as a qualifier for the Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA) Cross Country Championships, set to take place in Zambia in December 2025. Outstanding athletes from this regional championship will then have the chance to progress to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
In a press statement issued by AE, the federation invited the general public, corporates, NGOs, churches, and schools to take part in this open event aimed at showcasing talent, teamwork, and community spirit. The competition will feature male and female categories, including U16, U18, U20, and Open divisions.
“This exciting event is open to all, offering opportunities to showcase talent, teamwork, and community spirit,” the statement read.
A Glimpse into Cross Country Running
Cross country running is one of the oldest disciplines in athletics, dating back to 19th-century England, where it was developed as a test of endurance and strategy over natural terrain such as grass, mud, and hills. It later became a global sport governed by World Athletics, emphasizing teamwork, stamina, and resilience.
In Eswatini, cross country running has become an essential platform for identifying distance-running talent capable of competing on the continental and global stage. AE’s continued organization of such events reflects the federation’s commitment to developing athletes who can represent the nation with pride.
With the #TogetherForGold motto driving this year’s campaign, Athletics Eswatini aims to make the 2025 Cross Country Event not just a competition, but a celebration of national athletic potential.
(Courtesy Pic)
