Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 108, July 2018 | Page 15

ADVERTORIAL Spreading the #runclean Message Modern Athlete’s #runclean Campaign is part of a growing effort to stop runners littering during races, as this problem has become one of the most prominent talking points in South African running circles. We invite readers to send in ideas and feedback to [email protected], and these are just some of the mails received. NEED FOR LOW-COST HYDRATION VESTS… I became a big fan of trail running in recent years, so on most of my training runs I now wear a running vest that holds two 750ml bottles. I have run two Comrades and many other marathons with my running vest, and I have been a ‘clean runner’ for a long time now. I think transitioning to bottles and not taking sachets is the way to go to stop this irrational trashing by many runners. There are a few good reasons for using your own bottles: No waste, fewer stops, your drink is definitely clean, you can use an energy drink of your choice, less people required for manning water tables (can rather use them as marshals), and in your running vest you can stash your keys and powders. I therefore see a huge market for low-cost hydration vests, but currently they are mighty expensive and that deters a lot of my friends that would love to use them. – Philip Boardman, Pretoria The good news is that several people in the running industry are already looking into low-cost options for hydration packs, vests and bottles, but the simplest option is to fill a small plastic cold drink bottle with water and carry that in races. If it bothers you to have something in your hands, find a simple belt to clamp it to your side, or stick it in the waste band of your shorts or tights. Where there is a will, there is a way. – Ed. races, limited sachets can be kept at water tables for the top runners, but by the time the crowds arrive they would have run out and we can just top up our bottles. – Malose Chaba, Centurion Not everybody wants to stop and fill up a bottle during a race – even backmarkers can be racing for times – but if you don’t want to stop to refill, just carry your own. Problem solved. – Ed. #RUN CLEAN… I have only been running for three years and love the sport, but I must admit that seeing a fellow runner discard water sachets on the floor has always been a thorn in my side. Even the frontrunners, who have so much discipline in their sport, show so little respect for the environment they practice it in. That Afrikaans song “Morsjors, tel op jou papiere, morsjors, waar is jou maniere” is on constant repeat in my head during races! BRING YOUR BOTTLES!… Many runners have water bottles and carry them when they run on their own. So, in I would like to suggest you sell a patch or armband or something I can wear while running to identify me as a #runclean supporter. That way I can point at it while giving a litterbug the ‘stink eye,’ and hopefully convince fellow runners to do the right thing. – Rina Kilian, via e-mail The Modern Athlete team has discussed this idea before, and may revisit it, given that you are one of many runners that would like to fly the #runclean flag at races and further spread the message. – Ed. Think before you throw – #runclean FREE Bins for Registered Races To register an event, go to http://modern-athlete.co.za/bf.php?fid=287 or sign up via the link on www.facebook.com/runclean. Please note that races must apply for bins 60 days before race day to allow for processing of applications and despatch of sponsored bins and liners. A s part of the Modern Athlete #runclean campaign, Garbie (East Rand Plastics) is providing FREE fold-up cardboard bins and plastic bin liners to any running or walking event held in South Africa that registers as a #runclean event. To qualify, events must put the #runclean and Garbie logos on their entry form and website, and must promote the #runclean message pre-race and at their event. Once an event is registered and approved, Garbie will arrange the free delivery of the bins, liners and bags, while Modern Athlete will promote the event as a #runclean event. Garbie is the household name for refuse bags and available at all leading retail stores, so please support the company that supports runners and is helping us to #runclean! 15