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