LETTERS
Have Your SAY
Got something on your mind that you want to share , a burning question you want answered , or a good story to tell ? Then send it to letters @ modernathlete . co . za and add a pic if you can . ( Note that these letters may have been shortened due to space limitations .)
WINNING LETTER
TWO THOUGHTS ON SOWETO
I ran the recent Old Mutual Soweto Marathon and overall had a wonderful experience . The atmosphere , the camaraderie , the support , the interesting route … even the weather was enjoyable , if a bit hot for running . But there were two things that I didn ’ t like , and I would like to bring them to the attention of the organisers and officials , so that a bit of constructive criticism can hopefully lead to an even better race in 2018 .
Firstly , I have seen all the # runclean articles in Modern Athlete and all the anti-litter and anti-plastic things being said on social media , plus Old Mutual ’ s GoGreen campaign , so I was really surprised to see no bins on the route . It ’ s still no excuse for the runners dropping all their plastic sachets on the road – which was very , very slippery and dangerous at times ! – but the organisers need to please put out bins next time . I carried my empty sachets until I found a public bin , and even brought some to the finish , but most runners just dropped theirs . What a mess !
Secondly , I know the rules of running say no earphones , and I know runners had specific seedings for specific starting pens , and runners were supposed to be wearing a race number in order to get into the pens and start the race , but I saw a number of unpleasant exchanges between various runners and provincial race officials at the start . During the race I also chatted to a female runner from Cape Town whose pregnant friend had allegedly been manhandled by a race referee at the start because she was not wearing her race number , which she had apparently forgotten at home , but still wanted to participate . The scuffle resulted in my new friend ’ s bag being accidentally spilled , resulting in her losing her car key , which she was extraordinarily lucky to get back from the commentator after the race .
I just feel that there is no place in our great sport for manhandling runners , especially a pregnant woman , and arguing and swearing at each other . Other than that , a terrific race , and I look forward to running it again next year ! – Running Man , Johannesburg
On the second point , I think everybody involved needs to take a step back and think about their actions – It is unacceptable for runners to ignore rules or run illegally and then become aggressive when confronted , but it is also unacceptable for officials to get physical with runners or lose their cool . If we all follow the rules and respect each other , things should run smoothly . – Ed .
RUNNING IS THE ANSWER
Growing up in a poor background made my life hard , and running was something that I never thought of doing . My mind was always sore because of the stress , so when I got a full-time job , I thought everything will go well , but it did not , because I was still depressed . When I told my neighbour about the whole situation , he advised me to join him for training . It took me a few months before I began feeling better , and after that I joined the local athletic club . I ’ m living a happy life now , and I started encouraging young people to do sport to keep themselves busy instead of using drugs and ending up doing crime . All is well now , because running is the answer . – Cyril Bungumusa , via e-mail
Ask anybody who runs and they will tell you that the legendary ‘ Runner ’ s High ’ is very real , and that running really does make you feel better . – Ed .
TEETHING TROUBLES
I have read a lot of articles regarding water points for various reasons in your magazine , but one point which never comes up is with regard to the water sachets . As I am a grandmaster runner who is dentally challenged , I am unable to open these sachets , and it would be interesting to know how other runners with similar problems handle the situation . As I am also Diabetic , this makes the Coke at the tables a limited option . I could carry my own water , but as the water is available this should not be necessary . I look forward to any suggestions from other runners , and thanks for a fantastic magazine . – Ken Rodger , Alberton
Ironically , I overheard two runners discussing the exact same thing at a recent race . I don ’ t have the solution , but will publish your letter and see if we get any responses . – Ed .
Images : Jetline Action Photo & courtesy Altah Mabhusu , Cyril Bungumusa , Daniel Komako
6 ISSUE 101 DECEMBER 2017 / www . modernathlete . co . za