Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 128, March 2020 | Page 4

EDITOR’S LETTER Running Put on Hold PUBLISHERS Richard Laskey Roxanne Martin Sean Falconer ADVERTISING SALES Richard Laskey 083 342 8200 / [email protected] DIGITAL SALES & CAMPAIGNS Roxanne Martin 072 368 7390 / [email protected] At the time of writing, we really have no idea what to expect. The experts are warning us that South Africa could be on the verge of an unimaginable catastrophe, and some predict the Coronavirus could infect up to 70% of the SA population! Of course, they are hopeful that we can avoid this by self-isolating as much as possible to ‘flatten the curve,’ but the socio-economic conditions in this country, coupled with the fact that many people are still not taking the threat of this global pandemic seriously, means that we could really be hit hard in coming weeks. To their credit, most of the running community have stoically accepted the fact that races are cancelled for the foreseeable future, and we need to do things differently until the pandemic is over. However, some are refusing to listen to the warnings, still heading out for pack runs or trying to organise unofficial running events to replace the cancelled races. I really hope those runners will rethink their approach to the pandemic going forward. On a related note, on Saturday 14 March I was on the mic at the Langebaan Country Estate Weskus Marathon, and it was once again a privilege to watch some 5000 runners doing what they do best, with a terrific spirit shown by all on the day and enjoyable banter around the finish line. However, having watched the world news in preceding weeks, I told the runners at the start that this may be our last race on the calendar for a while. My exact words were that they should make the most of the day, look at the stunning views, talk to fellow runners and make new friends, and just enjoy themselves. The next day brought the President’s address, and the announcement that all events and gatherings are cancelled for at least the next month. It’s a big disappointment to see our favourite races cancelled, and to be told not to run with our friends, but we all know that it’s the right decision. In the meantime, look after yourselves and those around you, and know that Modern Athlete will be with you all the way, continuing to bring you great running stories to keep you motivated to maintain your fitness (and sanity), while we try to ride out this storm. Hopefully we will all see each other at the races again soon. Sean Falconer 4 Follow on Twitter: | Follow the mag as well: @modern_athlete ISSUE 128 me MARCH 2020 @sean_falconer / www.modernathlete.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Regulars: Anel Oosthuizen, Carla Lea Farina, Coach Parry, Leanne Hall, Manfred Seidler, Norrie Williamson, PJ Moses, René Kalmer, Roxanne Martin, Sean Falconer, Stuart Mann, Tom Cottrell Guest Writers: Caroline Lee, Jacky McClean, Naomi Brand, Lylanie Berg, Mr G COVER IMAGE Jetline Action Photo IMAGES Photo Agencies & Professional photographers: Chris Hitchcock, Jetline Action Photo, Kurt Matthews Photography, Kyle Cestari, Leon Hugo, Pete Kirk, Pexels, Roger Sedres/ ImageSA, SMacPix, Terence Vrugtman/ AdventureLife SA, Tobias Ginsberg, Zoon Cronje Non-professional photographers: Bruce Hallock, Stuart Mann Courtesy: Anel Oosthuizen, Carla Lea Farina, Caroline Lee, Catch Me If You Can, Edenvale Marathon, Fish Hoek AC, Lylanie Berg, Murray & Roberts Running Club, Naomi Brand, Norrie Williamson, PJ Moses, René Kalmer, Spar Women’s Challenge PE, Tarawera Ultramarathon, US National Air and Space Museum, Victor Gugushe, And various race organisers FIND US GENERAL E-MAIL [email protected] EDITORIAL E-MAIL [email protected] WEB www.modernathlete.co.za FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ modernathletemag TWITTER @modern_athlete INSTAGRAM @modernathletemag W hen we started working on this edition, the world was still the way we knew it... People went to work and kids went to school, we socialised and weren’t afraid of talking to each other, we didn’t fight over rolls of toilet paper in the supermarkets, and we could run races every weekend. Yes, those were the good times, before COVID-19 arrived and changed everything. EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR Sean Falconer [email protected] DESIGNER Caroline Collings [email protected] DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Roxanne Martin [email protected]