Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 121, August 2019 | Page 7

LETTERS
this morning then?
Kim Stephens: Karoline Hanks, more like F(OMO).
Petrus de Klerk: Jirre, Kim, you are taking this #runclean vibe to new
levels!
Kim, I’ve heard of foam rubber in running shoes, but never come across
foaming socks before. Reckon this definitely gives new meaning to the
concept, wardrobe malfunction... but I’m sure your shoes and socks
smelt terrific! – Ed
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT
This pic was taken by
my clubmates at about
12km in the Comrades
Marathon, when they
surprised me by rocking
up in Durban just to
support. I thought let
me share this, because
I think your readers
would love to know
how special it is to have
that support on route
while we are running the
Comrades Marathon. It
is so much appreciated
just to hear a stranger
shouting your name as you run past. These people make this race so
beautiful. I love them, and they are also my reason just to be there. – Vivian
Sipika, East London
Now those are really special clubmates, because let’s face it, few things
beat seeing a friendly face or two along the route when you’re feeling a
bit nervous in the early kays of a big race. Comradeship of the highest
level! – Ed
AWESOME ALWYN
limped to the side
of the road, and
while standing
there, watching
everyone run
past, one of
the supporters
came to me and
asked if I’m OK.
I explained to
him what had
happened, so he
sat me down and
worked on my
ankle.
When I looked back there were only around eight runners behind me, and
I was thinking to myself, there’s over 19,000 runners ahead of me! But I’m
so grateful for his help, because I managed to get back and join the race,
and I finished my eighth Comrades in 11:42. I don’t know his name, or if
he will read this, but may the Lord bless him abundantly. – Owen v, via
Facebook
READERS REPOND...
Faheemah Limbada: I really hope you find your Samaritan. In 2018, my
first run, I kind of helped a runner who wanted to quit the race from ITB
pain, and it bothered me that I didn’t get her name, because I needed to
know if she finished. I did the same as you and posted to Facebook, and
she immediately responded to my post. Today Lee-Anne Freeland Hughes
and I are great friends. Gotta love runners!
Frans Lechuti: Runners generally are a bunch of generous and caring
people. I see that all the time at the races. At one point I was at registration
and realised I didn’t have enough money, and after paying for his race
card, the guy in front of me just turned and gave me what I needed,
without me even asking for it, because he realised if I went back to the car
I’d be late. I just love the running community.
Well done on finishing, Owen, in spite of suffering a frightening and
disheartening injury within the first kay of the race... and well done, also,
to the Good Samaritan that helped you. I too have found myself in need
of help during a race, and was lucky that a fellow runner came along at
just the right time, and refused to leave me until she knew I would be OK
again. These are special people. – Ed
COMRADE IN NEED
Mandla Zwane
is a blind runner
who was running
without a guide in
the Comrades and
stopped to ask
us to put plasters
between his toes.
He was running
his 13th Comrades
and completed it
in 8 hours and 41
minutes. What an
4 years ago Alwyn Uys was in a car accident that left him paralysed from
the chest down. A few weeks ago he inspired thousands of people when
he became the first South African paraplegic to complete an Ironman 70.3
in a wheelchair! We couldn’t be more proud of you, Alwyn... and this is just
the start! #mondaymotivation #ironman #anythingispossible – Stellenbosch
Triathlon Squad
Hats off to Alwyn for an incredible effort and achievement. Sounds like
an article for a future edition of the magazine. – Ed
TOGETHER WE TRIUMPH
Hi my fellow runners. Within 700m from the starting line of Comrades, I
stepped in a pothole and twisted my ankle, as it was dark and congested. I
inspiration! – Caitlyn van Dyk, via Facebook
Having run as a guide for a blind athlete, I know how challenging that
is, but those of us with good vision simply cannot understand how hard
it must be to run Comrades without sight, let alone doing so without a
guide! So hats off to you, Caitlyn and co, for helping this intrepid runner
make it to the finish line. – Ed
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