Welties know how to run

The proud Weltevreden Park Primary School can boast having two pupils who competed in the SA Schools Athletics National Primary School Cross-country Championships, placing them in the top five schools in Gauteng.

Leigh Mc Morran and Daniel van der Westhuizen came third and 27th respectively in their age groups in the championships held on 1 October in Mpumalanga. Van der Westhuizen said the experience was awesome but nerve-racking, and next time he wants to finish third. This, because Mc Morran hopes to be placed second in next year’s championships, adding that the support from the crowd and other runners was really great.

Head of sport, Quintus Writes, said, “Cross-country at this school is very strong. We’ve had quite a number of pupils go through to district and regional championships. The competition is tough but our runners are very good.”

The pair were chosen for the championships from seven other pupils who also made the Gauteng team. Both pupils started competing in cross-country when they were in Grade 4 and have only excelled since. “It makes me feel happy and it is nice to listen to the other runners and support each other,” said Mc Morran.

Van der Westhuizen added, “I still get nervous before a race but as soon as the gun fires I just love to run.”

They will continue to work on their speed, fitness and running techniques for the next cross-country season. The pupils train every day to keep their fitness levels up. Mc Morran explained it is all about time management as they both participate in other sports besides cross-country.

Details: Weltevreden Park Primary School 011 679 5625/6.