Charlotte Venter (38), a Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) member, puts all her energy into being a dedicated athlete and a stay-at-home mom to her son.
Her passion for running started as a child, and Charlotte always qualified for the long-distance team at school.
Last year, she came third in the Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) championship. She represented the province at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) championships in Rustenburg, along with her son, who also made the team.
This season, in the cross-country meeting, she came second in the sub-veteran women’s 4km at a CGA meeting, while her son completed the 2km.
She has competed in four leagues and made the podium in each one.
“In the first event, I took second, then a third position, a first place and then second again,” said Charlotte.
She said she is building her endurance, and this year’s focus is mainly on cross-country and representing the province again at the ASA championships.
Although Charlotte does 21.1 km, 15km and 10km races, next year, she will try a marathon to prepare for an ultra-marathon.
”It’s always been my dream to partake in the Comrades Marathon with my son and do an ultra-trail run. Maybe, in a few years, I can complete these with my son,” she explained.
The cross-country runner joined the BAC in 2021.
“I am privileged to have the full support of my husband in everything I do. He is my cheerleader and motivates me to keep pushing.
“My son is also an athlete, so he tags along with me and partakes in races.”
Charlotte’s role models are Gerda Steyn and Kate van Jaarsveld.
She is committed to eating and staying healthy.
“If you make it a lifestyle that fits into your routine, everything will fall into place,” she said.
“While running keeps me fit, it is mostly my happy place. When I run, I feel free. It is uplifting.
“I love challenging my limits, and doing a sport I love with my son by my side is everything to me.
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