Mount Ayliff was alive with color and energy on Sunday as XJ Athletic Club hosted its inaugural 5km and 10km race, drawing athletes from towns such as Mthatha, Matatiele, Ngcobo, Ugie, and Kokstad. The race, which marked the first of its kind since the club’s establishment in 2018, was a vibrant celebration of fitness and community spirit.
The event was meticulously organized, with water stations, race marshals, and traffic officers positioned to ensure a smooth and safe experience for participants. The high level of professionalism and careful planning made the race enjoyable for all involved.
XJ Athletic Club was founded by a small group of individuals united by their passion for promoting healthy living in the rural community of Mount Ayliff (Emaxesibeni). Since then, the club has seen tremendous growth, gaining members both nationally and internationally. The club also boasts a strong junior development wing, which has shown promising results in various recent competitions.
Known affectionately as the “Pink Drive” for their signature pink and black uniforms, senior runners of XJ Athletic Club have competed in prestigious races like the Comrades Marathon. On the same Sunday as the Mount Ayliff event, some team members represented the club at the Chicago Marathon, proudly showcasing the club’s colors on an international stage.
The executive team of XJ Athletic Club expressed their gratitude to members and sponsors for their commitment and support, which contributed to the event’s success. Victorious runners did not leave empty-handed, with prizes totaling R10,000 awarded across different categories.
