The men's and women's races are expected to be closely contested on Saturday when Sizwe Ndebele and Jessica Groenewald return to defend their national titles at the ASA 20km Race Walking Championships at Youngsfield Military Base in Cape Town.

A strong team from Athletics Central North West (ACNW) will be spearheaded by Groenewald and 20 year-old Janise Nell in the women's race.

Groenewald won gold at the 2023 national championships in Potchefstroom, with Nel earning the silver medal and both athletes will be targeting the podium again.

In the men's race, Antonio Farmer will lead the ACNW squad as he looks to improve on the bronze medal he secured last season.

He will have to be at his best, however, against Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) stars Sizwe Ndebele and Tumisang Pule, who bagged gold and silver respectively last year.

And at the age of 38, six-time SA 20km champion Wayne Snyman will also be difficult to beat in the colours of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA).

Aside from the senior men''s and women's 20km contests, the ASA Race Walking Championships also include 10km races for U20 men and women.

"We are looking forward to this year's race and we are happy that we are once again staging this championship. We are trying very hard to improve on it in terms of high level participation of athletes and provinces. 

"We are also very appreciative of the work put by Western Province Athletics in hosting this race and to the army for opening its facilities once more to us. It's becoming a permit home for this event.

"We wish all the participants all the best and an enjoyable competition at that," said James Moloi, the President of Athletics South Africa. 

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About Athletics South Africa:
Athletics South Africa (ASA) is the national governing body for the sport of athletics (including Track and Field, Cross Country, Road Running and Race Walking) in South Africa, is a member of World Athletics  and the Confederation of African Athletics.  The association was formed in 1995 and is based in Johannesburg. 

ENDS