Champions League Cross Country is officially launching South Africa's first franchise-based youth cross country festival. Running from 10 May to 31 May 2026 across Gauteng, the festival brings together 300+ athletes from U7 to U19, drafted into eight competing franchises.
Each franchise is coached by one of SA's top middle-distance coaches, including Jared De Waal, Tian Basson, Willie Engelbrecht, Franco Oosthuizen, Elise Viljoen, and Simone Wietsz. The goal is simple: give every young runner a structured developmental pathway, surrounded by a team of peers.
The season consists of five race days — Trials, Sprint, Challenge, Classic, and Finals — with athletes drafted evenly after Trials Day to ensure every franchise is competitive. Points accumulate across the season for both individual and team honours.
Every race will be professionally streamed on OctafieldTV and broadcast by PitchVision, making CLXC one of the most visible youth athletics events in the country. Photos, results, and full replays will be available to parents and athletes after every race.
This is cross country as it should be — developmental, competitive, and built for the athletes who will one day represent South Africa on the world stage.
Every race, on demand
Full replays from every race day are available to watch for free.
Watch Replays →