Potch Track Club: A Month of Champions, From World Stages to Local Glory

Karen Scheepers
2 days ago
3 min read

Over the past 30 days, Potchefstroom Track Club (PTC) has witnessed one of its most successful and action-packed months of the year. From World Championship debuts to national cross-country triumphs and record-breaking performances, the club’s athletes have continued to demonstrate the depth of South African endurance and track talent. September and early October 2025 will be remembered as a month of resilience, teamwork, and international achievement.

Global Stage Presence: Elroy Gelant and Douw Smit Fly the Flag

The month began with Potchefstroom’s marathon maestro Elroy Gelant taking on his first Marathon World Championship on 15 September, marking his 10th global championship appearance. Although facing grueling heat, Gelant crossed the line 33rd in 2:16:32, earning admiration for his determination and endurance. His coach, Jean Verster, handed him his official Team SA kit just days before departure, a moment of pride for both athlete and club.

Meanwhile, Douw Smit represented South Africa in Tokyo, competing in the javelin throw at the World Championships on 17 September. Guided by coach Dr. Chris de Beer, a former international javelin thrower himself, Smit’s participation underscored Potch Track Club’s growing influence beyond distance events.

National Triumphs: Cross Country Success in Middelburg

The ASA Cross Country Championships in Middelburg became a showcase of PTC dominance, led by a stellar line-up of both senior and junior athletes.

Danielle Verster made a remarkable comeback from injury, claiming the U23 women’s 4km title and finishing 2nd overall in the senior women’s race with a time of 13:54.
Andrea Steynberg delivered a standout double, taking gold in the U20 2km, bronze in the U20 6km, and a team silver with ACNW in the U20 6km event.
Amogelang Tatai completed a golden double, winning the 7km junior men’s race (26:02) and the 2km junior event (05:49), while also finishing 6th overall in the senior 2km.
Team highlights included Dino’s 7th place in the men’s 10km, Divan’s silver in the men’s 8km team event, and Alri Verster’s 5th in the 6km and 4th in the 2km junior races.
Ina, Katelynn, Abigail, and Christopher all contributed solid performances, adding depth to a highly competitive squad.

The championship results reinforced PTC’s reputation as one of South Africa’s most balanced track and endurance programs.

International Victories: Moscow Marathon and Beyond

On 21 September, Puseletso Mofokeng delivered another highlight, finishing 9th at the Moscow Marathon in 2:20:34. Despite tackling the course’s notorious “Seven Hills” and strong winds, Mofokeng displayed trademark composure and stamina, a promising sign for his international season ahead.

Home Track Brilliance: Wildeklawer NWU Top 30 Athletics

Back on home soil, PTC athletes shone at the Wildeklawer NWU Top 30 Athletics meet in Potchefstroom on 23 September.

Amogelang Tatai clocked 8:07.71, narrowly missing his personal best, with teammate Lutho Timathi providing excellent pacing.
In the U19 division, Bertus van der Linde secured silver in the 3000m (8:43), while Alri Verster earned bronze in the girls’ 3000m (10:29), followed closely by Katelynn Steenkamp in 5th (10:41).

Just a day later, Timathi competed in his first-ever 10km road race at the ABSA Run Your City Joburg 10K, clocking an impressive 31:59, finishing 2nd in the Junior Men’s category and 1st among South Africans overall, a breakthrough moment for the young athlete.

Not to be outdone, Andrea Steynberg defied fatigue to dominate the Wildeklawer Top 30, winning both the 800m (2:09.49) and 1500m (4:32.95), an exceptional feat during the cross-country season.

October Kicks Off Strong: Gelant and Verster Sisters Shine in Durban

Closing out the period, PTC athletes brought their momentum to the coast at the Boxer Super 5K in Durban on 13 October.

Elroy Gelant continued his fine form, securing 3rd place in 13:42, reaffirming his consistency among South Africa’s distance elite.
Danielle Verster ran a personal best of 16:40, finishing 7th overall, while her younger sister Alri Verster also achieved a PB of 17:48, placing 7th overall and 1st in the junior women’s division.

A Golden Month for Potch Track Club

From global championships to national podiums, junior breakthroughs, and personal bests, Potch Track Club’s past month has reflected the depth, resilience, and unity of its athletes. The club continues to strengthen its legacy as one of South Africa’s leading high-performance hubs, where world-class coaching and community spirit combine to nurture the next generation of champions.