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
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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
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