Sean Falconer
EDITOR ’ S LETTER
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DIVISIONAL HEAD Richard Laskey richard @ modernathlete . co . za CONTENT MANAGER Roxanne Martin roxanne @ modernathlete . co . za
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THANKS TO THE SPONSORS
The more things change , the more they stay the same … so goes the old saying . Well , in recent weeks a few big changes have been announced that are going to shake things up in SA running . Unfortunately , what I am talking about is the withdrawal from the sport of two big sponsors , which will affect certain races and runners .
First we heard that Old Mutual is going to withdraw its support from road running , after many years of being a title sponsor of some of the biggest races on the SA calendar , as well as a former key sponsor of road running itself through the sponsorship of annual provincial licence numbers . Old Mutual has announced that it will not renew its sponsorship of the Om Die Dam Ultra , Comrades Marathon and Soweto Marathon after 2018 , and of the Two Oceans Ultra after 2019 . Unsurprisingly , I have already heard one or two runners questioning whether these races will still be on the calendar in 2019 . I think they will .
We all know the country is in a financial recession and companies are tightening their belts , but I think new sponsors will step up to the plate – the popularity of these events will ‘ save ’ them by attracting new sponsors . Of course , the events may need to also tighten their belts , perhaps by doing away with some of the ‘ bells and whistles ’ that have become standard at our big races , but aren ’ t essential , such as T-shirts , goodie bags or even medals … but I think the races will go on .
The second whammy was the announcement by KPMG that it would be calling time on its running club by the end of October , as well as ending the sponsorship of the Vorentoe Running Academy . This only affects those athletes who are members of the KPMG club , specifically those elite runners who earn a retainer from the club , or the youngsters on bursaries at the academy . No doubt the other pro or corporate clubs will now go ‘ shopping ’ to strengthen their ranks , but there are people working behind the scenes to keep the KPMG club going in its current form , by finding a new sponsor .
Whatever happens to these races and athletes , I think we should say a big thank you to both Old Mutual and KPMG for the money that they have invested in our sport . It is important to acknowledge that without sponsors , many of our events simply could not take place , and many of our elites would not be able to forge a successful running career . And while it is sad to lose sponsors , it is not the first time this has happened , nor will it be the last time . New sponsors will emerge , events and athletes will adapt , and the running show will go on .
In the meantime , SA still has one of the biggest racing calendars in the world , with so many events to choose from , most of which are brilliantly organised and cheap to enter by international standards . We are actually quite spoilt for choice in this country , so make the most of it . Lace up those shoes and get out there .
Sean Falconer
Follow me on Twitter : @ sean _ falconer | Follow the mag as well : @ modern _ athlete
WINNERS ’ CORNER
Congratulations to the winner of our September edition competition .
ISSUE 111 OCTOBER 2018 / www . 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
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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 : Abé Kempen , Elize Kempen , Kevin Ackerberg , Marleen Frunt van den Akker , Wesley Botton , Willem Richards
COVER IMAGE Jetline Action Photo
IMAGES Photo Agencies & Professional photographers : BackTrack Sports , Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool , Dylan Haskin , Fotolia , Govan Basson / Total Kaos Photography , Jetline Action Photo , Kevin Sawyer , Richard Pearce , Roger Sedres / ImageSA , Tobias Ginsberg Non-professional photographers : Carder Tregonning , Dean Venish , Ganief Galvaan , Lindsey Parry , Moegsien Ebrahim , Mogamat Shamieg Allie , Norrie Williamson , Rory Manning , Sean Falconer , Shannon Kelly , Trevlyn Mayo Palframan , Zullfa Levy Adams Courtesy : Anel Oosthuizen , Angela Oschger , Cape Town Marathon , Comrades Marathon Association , Derrick Marcisz , DTT Athletes , Enie Manzini , Fisherman ’ s Friend Strongmanrun , Hilton Murray , Imran Paya , Ironman SA , IRunFar . com , Irv Bosman , Jeannie Jordaan , Kevin Ackerberg , Lake Umuzi Festival , Lerato Maluleke , Marlene Frunt van den Akker , PJ Moses , René Kalmer , Suanprueck99 Club , Thubaelihle Nkomo , Two Oceans Marathon , Wendy Denston , Willem Richards , and various Race Organisers
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ATHLETES IN ACTION Win New Balance Fresh Foam running shoes for the winning photo Jessica Smith , Port Elizabeth
Image : Jetline Action Photo