RUNDER

RUNDER ELITE 
ANAK VERHOEVEN

Belgian Rock Climber. 

Accolades are not a benchmark for Runder Elites but these climbing achievements are totally worth mentioning just to set the tone. Anak is a powerhouse of a woman with incredible talent which goes beyond the vertical of the rock-face. This shows through her long history and dedication to her craft of climbing in more ways than you can imagine climbing is even possible. 

                  

                   OUTDOOR CLIMBING

  • 2nd Female Ascent of La Planta de Shiva-9b in Villanueva de Rosario, Spain (2024)
  • First Female Ascent of Joe mama-9a+ in Oliana, Spain (2019)
  • First Ascent of Sweet neuf-9a+ in Pierrot Beach, France (2017)
  • First Female Ascent of No Pain No Gain-9a+ in Rodellar, Spain (2022)
  • First Ascent of Ciudad de Dios pa la Enmienda-9a/+ in Santa Linya, Spain (2017)
  • First Ascent of Ma belle ma muse-8c+/9a in Romeyer, France (2016)
  • First Ascent of Kraftio-8c+/9a in Belgium (2020)
  • Trad routes: La Fuerza de la Gravedad-8b (Spain) and Greenspit-8b (Italy)

 

  

                  COMPETITION RESULTS

  • World Games Champion in 2017
  • European Champion in 2017
  • Vice World Champion in 2016
  • World Youth Champion in 2015
  • Gold on 3 World Cup stages (2 in 2016 and 1 in 2017)
  • A total of 19 World Cup medals
  • 36 IFSC Lead finals in a row
  • 7 times Belgian Champion in a row (2013-2019)

Anak, please tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and how that came to be?

Sure! I am a professional climber from Flanders, Belgium and started climbing as a toddler thanks to my parents who are both climbers. I used to compete in the world cup circuit and celebrated multiple victories during those years. Some years ago, I decided to focus solely on outdoor climbing with the goal of conquering hard lines on rock. 

What’s your best way to staying positive, especially when things get tough?

Trying to be thankful for everything I do have, instead of what I don’t.

When you think about the impact you’re leaving in your sport, what do you hope for in terms of inspiring the youth?

I would love for young climbers to see that starving yourself and being skinny is not the way to go. As climbers we carry our bodies upwards and weight does play a role, but we need to be strong and healthy, too! I can say from experience that it is totally possible to eat A LOT of amazing real food, never be hungry, have a normal weight and still climb at the highest level. 

What’s one habit or routine you swear by for your health—whether it’s mental, physical, or both—that helps you show up as your best self every day?

A big breakfast with a lot of protein! And a proper warmup before every climbing session.
Poster

Looking at your future, what’s one challenge or goal you’re setting for yourself to keep growing?

Working on a better sleep rhythm – earlier nights and a sticking to a more regular bedtime.
Poster

How does Runder fit into your lifestyle?

On climbing expeditions, I’m camping and climbing in stunning locations. But, when I’m living this adventurous outdoor life, it can be challenging to eat my preferred high-protein diet with plenty of meat. That is where Runder comes in! After a long climbing day, while travelling, when preparing a van-life meal… I simply grab a bag of Runder biltong and enjoy the deliciousness, knowing that I’m nourishing my body with high-quality meat.

What is your favourite Runder product?

The Snack Packs, original or smokey BBQ – so practical while being out in nature!