Sean Falconer
EDITOR ’ S LETTER
THE REASONS WE RUN
Looking through the articles in this edition , I see such an incredible mix of running stories , with different motivations , approaches , philosophies and more . I have said it so many times over the years that we all run for different reasons , and that ’ s really borne out by this edition .
We start with Ann Ashworth , whose driving motivation was to win the Comrades . Well , she can tick that box now ! Sadly , the incredible sacrifices she made in order to win the race have been largely overshadowed by her subsequent spat with ASA , but we want to give credit where it ’ s due for what she gave up in order to win big . She proved that dreams can come true if you ’ re prepared to put in the effort .
Meanwhile , in the same race we had Madoko Ndhlovu in action as one of the official Modern Athlete Comrades Pacesetters . The man is a legend , having helped so many runners achieve their dreams , both as a coach and a pacesetter , and his reason to run , to give back to the sport and running community , is so inspirational . Then read about Dean Wight , another inspirational runner that gives so much back to the sport by organising his popular training runs . No wonder he is so beloved . And we also feature Lucas Adams , whose goal is to grow trail running with creative ways to build up running resources that all runners can tap into .
When it comes to running for a cause , the two runners behind the Goldilocks and the Bear Foundation , Renata Schoeman and Nic De Beer , deserve recognition not just for the important work they are doing with kids in our schools , but also for taking on long races in outfits that make these races even tougher . You won ’ t hear a word of complaint from either of them , though , because they are passionate about their cause .
Then we have Keith Solomon , who runs all his races in memory of his late friend and running partner , Malcolm . I had the pleasure of sharing the roads with both of them many times , and their infectious humour and positivity were always such a welcome distraction from any thoughts of tiredness during a race .
Things come full circle with articles on Sokwakhana Zazini and Ryan Mphahlela , two youngsters who are lighting up the track both here in SA and overseas , and articles on Cana Peek and Jade Nicole , who are chasing glory in trail and triathlon respectively , as they discover just how good they really are ! All four are driven to push their limits as they compete for line honours .
And then I look at my own reasons to run . I am not motivated by times , positions or podiums , because for me running is about the scenery and views , the friendships and camaraderie , the conversations and humour out on the roads or trails , and the sheer joy of just lacing up and running . But I do love a good running story , and this mag is full of them !
See why I love this job so much ?
Sean Falconer
Follow me on Twitter : @ sean _ falconer | Follow the mag as well : @ modern _ athlete
Meet our team
DIVISIONAL HEAD Richard Laskey richard @ modernathlete . co . za CONTENT MANAGER Roxanne Martin roxanne @ modernathlete . co . za
EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR Sean Falconer seanf @ modernathlete . co . za DIGITAL EDITOR Keith Kennedy keith @ peaktiming . co . za DESIGNER Caroline Collings caroline . collings @ gmail . com
ADVERTISING SALES Richard Laskey 083 342 8200 / richard @ modernathlete . co . za
SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION info @ modernathlete . co . za
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Regulars : Anel Oosthuizen , Christine Peters , Derick Marcisz , Ernest Hobbs , Jeannie Jordaan , Lauren Smithers , Manfred Seidler , Norrie Williamson , PJ Moses , Ray Orchison , Reggie Hufkie , René Kalmer , Roxanne Martin , Sean Falconer , Stuart Mann , Tom Cottrell Guest Writers : Esmé Mare , Jonathan Cohen , Kim Walker , Karon Jarman , Margaret van Rensburg , Pat , Ron van Eck , Wilhelm De Swardt
COVER IMAGE Jetline Action Photo
IMAGES Photo Agencies & Professional photographers : Adobe Stock Photos , Chris Hitchcock , Fotolia , Jethro Snyders , Jetline Action Photo , Mark Sampson , Reg Caldecott , Roger Sedres / ImageSA , Tobias Ginsberg Non-professional photographers : Ashraf Mallick , Colleen McNally , Emily Lilford , Gerhard Fourie , KanakanaMushanganyisi , Karin Le Roux , Keith Linderoth , Lauren Smithers , Moegsien Ebrahim , Sean Falconer , Willie Muller , Zothile Moto Courtesy : Anel Oosthuizen , Ann Ashford , Asics , Bradley van der Merwe , Christelle van Rensburg , Christo Human , CMA , Dean Wight , Derrick Marcisz , DTT Athletes , Elizabeth Nebrigic , Goldilocks and the Bear Foundation , Inge Bartman , Jade Nicole , Leigh Privett , Lucas Adams , Meg Mackenzie , Michelle Donne , Nkhetheni Masupa , PJ Moses , PPC , René Kalmer , Ryan Mphahlela , Stuart Mann , Warrior Series , YouTube and various Race Organisers
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Modern Athlete is accredited by the ABC with an average monthly circulation of 69,425 ( Jan - Mar 2018 )
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WINNERS ’ CORNER
Congratulations to the winner of our July edition competition .
ISSUE 109 AUGUST 2018 / www . modernathlete . co . za
ATHLETES IN ACTION Win New Balance Fresh Foam running shoes for the winning photo Conrad Watt , Pretoria
Image : Chris Hitchcock