Local runner just can’t stop winning medals

Local running ace, Daniel Ellis (13) loves the freedom he feels on the tracks and trails around South Africa.

The Northcliff resident, and member of running club Fitness From Africa, in Lonehill, has set the South African cross-country scene alight this year and still has athletics events left to win at school level before the year ends.

“I just love running,” he said simply while training with his coach, Marcel Viljoen. “I feel so free when I run. I hate when it ends, and when I get injured.”

The Northwest Christian School learner once tore an intercostal [rib] muscle during a race but he pushed through the severe pain and finished the race.

The youngster’s determination is also evident from his recent victories.

Ellis won the Spur Summer Trail Run Series in his age division as well as all four of the northern cluster school league cross-country events this year. He also represented the D10 district at the Cross Country Provincials and won.

His golds in the 800m and 1 500m at the South African Christian Schools Sports Association (Sacssa) National Championships means he will compete for a Sacssa invitational team against provincial teams at the Sub-Youth Inter-Provincial Athletics in Potchefstroom on 18 November. His only aim is to beat his personal bests at this event.

An interesting fact about Daniel is that he can recall any finishing time he has had this year and keeps a mental list of his personal bests from 400m through to 3km.

Viljoen said he was very proud of Daniel, his best junior runner.

“Daniel is determined and fearless,” the coach said. “He also is very self-motivated. Where some coaches have to encourage their athletes to train, Daniel probably trains more than he needs to.”

Viljoen added that Daniel’s greatest strength was his unreserved joy of running.

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