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
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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
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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