He is one of the Nedbank Running Club’s most promising Juniors and he produces some stellar results at races most weekends. Meet 17-year- old Anele Voorman, one of the most dedicated young runners around.
When looking at race results every weekend, there is one name that keeps on popping up, and that is the name of Anele Voorman. And not just because he manages to mostly win the Junior Category of each race he runs, but also because he often places in the Top Three of the Men’s Open/Senior Category. With a 10km PB of 33minutes at the age of 17, there is clearly a bright future ahead for Voorman.
Starting out
Voorman, who attends the Ndzondelelo High School in Port Elizabeth, started his running career on the running tracks at primary school. In high school he loved the thrill of competing against his buddies in 5km fun runs, but soon needed more of a challenge. At the age of 16 he joined the Nedbank Running Club to become part of the road running culture he now thrives on.
At his very first 10km race he placed 5th Junior, and as they say the rest is history. Voorman was hooked. He steadily improved and last year he was selected to represent EPA at the SA Cross Country Champs and the SA Half Marathon Champs.
Looking ahead
He is looking forward to improving his times over the shorter distances this year, and he is even more looking forward to moving into a new age category when he turns 18. “As I live in PE, I mainly do races in and around PE. I want to concentrate on becoming faster over the 10km distance as well as improving my cross-country times,” says Voorman.
Balance
Voorman, whose mom passed away when he was a little boy, lives with his grandmother whom he adores. He says it is important to him to balance his training with his schoolwork. He mostly trains alone after school, but on a Tuesday and Thursday he meets up with the senior NRC athletes to train with them.
“I would love to run even better and be an example to other young runners like me. The Nedbank Running Club has supported me a lot. I love running but I know my schoolwork is very important, so my books come first, and then my running. I would like to study Law after school,” says Voorman.
Running makes him feel strong, healthy and happy and running has kept him on the right track, away from any possibilities of getting involved in drugs or alcohol. “When running I am around people that are motivating me all the time, and I love that.”