ROBERTSON – At 51 years old, Nigel Abrahams exemplifies how passion, discipline and self-motivation can lead to remarkable achievements in athletics. Balancing his day job in retail with his dedication to running, his athletic journey began at primary school, inspired by TV athletics.
“I started with the 100 metres and cross-country, and later took on the 400 metres and more cross-country events,” he recalled.
Joining the Nedbank Athletics Club was a turning point for Abrahams, providing him with the support and resources needed to advance his training.
“The club inspired me to keep going with running,” he said.
Preparing for the PPC Half Marathon, Abrahams undertook a rigorous four-month training regime, focusing on long runs every second day. His strategy was to start at a moderate pace and accelerate after 11 km. This approach led him to finish 28th in his age group with a time of 2:09, a result he didn’t anticipate. “I didn’t expect to finish that well,” he admitted.
Crossing the finish line was a moment of immense gratitude for Abrahams. “I felt so thankful I made it,” he said. Looking ahead, he is gearing-up for the Cape Town Marathon and has set his sights on participating in the Voet van Afrika, Prison to Prison and Comrades Marathon in 2025.
Abrahams’ success has been celebrated by his community, with an outpouring of support on social media. “The response has been overwhelming and has made me so happy,” he said. He hoped his achievements would inspire others, particularly younger athletes in Robertson.
Balancing his running with work and family life, Abrahams valued the support of his loved ones. “I train after hours, and my family supports me 100%,” he pointed out. His advice to aspiring runners is straightforward: “Maintain a good diet, stay disciplined, build distance and practise every day.”
He remained deeply grateful for his journey. “I thank my Father above for the talent He gave me and my wife for her unwavering support.” A standout moment for Abrahams was participating in the Comrades Marathon in 2016 as the only athlete from Robertson. “That experience will stay with me forever,” he added.
Abrahams’ story is a testament to perseverance and community support, highlighting the power of dedication in achieving personal and athletic goals.
