THE ED ’ S DESK the ed ’ s desk by SEAN FALCONER
Sean Falconer
THE ED ’ S DESK the ed ’ s desk by SEAN FALCONER
The Month That Was …
When I sit down to think about writing my next Ed ’ s Letter , I look at the content of the new edition , what ’ s happening in the running world , and what I ’ ve been busy with the past month , and that usually throws up a number of things I could write about . So , here ’ s a little taste of my November / December thoughts and activities .
Dryland Dress-up
On the first weekend of November , I was privileged to be on the mic for the third time at the Dryland Traverse in the Swartberg Mountains near Oudtshoorn . This four-day trail-running event is known not only for its awesome trails and water tables , as well as its unique prologue that runs through the Cango Caves , but also for the incredible ‘ Stage 2.5 ’ themed party . This year ’ s theme was ‘ Karooney Tunes ,’ so it was cartoon characters everywhere you looked .
Taking my cue from 101 Spotted Dalmations , I decided to go as Cruella de Vil ’ s long lost third cousin , Runella de Trail . I mean , it ’ s not every day I get to paint my nails , don make-up and a funky wig , wear a dress and a bra ( stuffed with Buffs ), and make a grand entrance to Shania Twain ’ s ‘ Man , I Feel Like a Woman .’
Special shout out to my better half , Nicole Falconer , and her good friend Mirri Visser , who tackled the four days of running as Team ( R ) unicorns , and in spite of blisters , sore legs , a bit of sunburn and one severely bruised knee , they finished the event with huge smiles . They were also a big hit with fellow runners when they lit up the Cango Caves with their wings during the prologue , and you can read all about their adventures on page 38 .
New Club Colours
This past month I also started a new chapter in my running career , donning my Durbanville Athletics Club colours for the first time at some of the local races and inter-club time trial challenges . This is the first time I have joined another club since I signed up with Helderberg Harriers way back in 1995 , when I started running regularly .
All dressed up at Dryland
Sporting new club colours
I lived in Stellenbosch for most of my life , plus did a few years more recently in Somerset West , and Helderberg was my running home for many years . I appreciate that the Helderbergers still treat me as part of the family , but now that Nicole and I are living in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town , I decided to join a local club , for the benefits of a clubhouse , pack runs and socials , and I ’ m looking forward to making lots of new running memories and friendships .
The first race that I ran in my yellow club shirt was the Metropolitan 10km , and it ’ s great to see this race back on the calendar . This was just the second race I ran in my fledgling running career back in 1994 , and I did it several more times over the years . Now , I remember it being hilly , but damn , I don ’ t think the organisers could have found any more steep hills to include on the new route ! Still loved being out there , of course , and chatting to so many runners along the way .
Never Forgotten !
On the last weekend of November , I did commentary at the Sportsmans Warehouse Winelands Marathon for the 12th year running . With this race taking place in my long-time hometown , Stellenbosch , and being organised by my long-time former club , it remains a privilege to work at this one – and if you add all the years I have been involved at Winelands , as a runner , organiser or commentator , I think it may now be over 20 editions of the race .
This race always brings back sad memories , however , because on 18 November 2000 , our Helderberg Harriers club chairman , Johan Augustyn , and his 17-yearold son Charl , were killed on the morning of the race when hit by a drunk driver while putting out the kay marker boards . Those of us who were part of the club back then will never forget that terrible day , when we lost not just a revered club chairman and his son , but good running friends as well , and I would like to thank the running community for joining me in a few moments of silence on the start line in their memory .
Sean Falconer
In memory of lost friends
Images : Oakpics , Shuyb Hendricks / ABPhotoZA and courtesy Sean Falconer
6 ISSUE 175 | www . modernathlete . co . za