Have Your Say
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EDITOR ’ S PICK
OVER-PRICED VIRTUAL RUNS
Thank you for keeping us all motivated with your magazine , but I would like to raise an issue that I ’ m sure affects a lot of runners , and that is the cost of virtual races . When we were able to run regular sponsored races , there was always a set amount for a 10km , 15km , 21.1km , etc , ranging from R60 to R150 , and then one had the option of buying merchandise like T-shirts , etc .
Now we have virtual races , and I ’ m not sure how some of these organisers justify the costs of arranging such races . Everything is done on a computer programme – we run , we upload the results ( either manually , or via Garmin or STRAVA ), and yet some of their costs are ridiculous !
There is one overseas group that arranges virtual races in major cities , called 26Virtual , and there were 26 runs last year organised by this group . They send us an eMedal plus a certificate , absolutely free of charge , and one has the option of buying a medal . I treated myself to the London Half Marathon medal last year – a huge medal , costing $ 26.00 , and with the exchange rate it came to R430.00 .
This year is the centenary of the Comrades , and I ’ m sure many would have loved to run the real thing , but instead of making the virtual race as inclusive as possible , the cost is R430 for 21km , 45km or 90km . I ’ m sorry , how do they justify this ? One can list many others around the country that are charging R150 to R190 for a virtual run . How many are able to afford this now , especially since so many are on short time , or have lost their income as a result of this pandemic ? I would love to know what other readers think . – Mike Gordon-Van Dyk , Middelburg
It is a good question , and one that this magazine will try to answer in an upcoming edition . I know that some events or eventing companies need to pay salaries and bills , and these virtual runs are keeping their companies alive until proper races come back , but that will soon end if they are perceived to be ‘ fleecing ’ the running public . Promise , we ’ ll look into it . – Ed .
BEWARE THE PSYCHO-CYCLIST …
I was running the other morning in Constantia on the very edge of the cycle lane , as my running partner was running on the small gravel path next to the road . This determined looking female cyclist was cycling towards me , so I edged over even more , and she literally moved over , as to almost force me off the road . I commented that she should perhaps ride me over next time , and she shouted , “ Well , don ’ t run in the road !”
Where else should I run when the gravel path had become so narrow ? I ’ m not a trail runner , the cycle path at that point is very wide , enough for a bike and a runner to fit comfortably . And it always seems OK for two cyclists to ride next to each other – a pet peeve , because I was always taught to cycle in single file – but she could simply not move over just a little bit to allow me to run . I managed to do a leap onto a thin strip of pavement to avoid her knocking me over .
Is it not possible for cyclists and runners to share the roads ? We are all out for the same reason , exercise and fresh air , and to just better ourselves . Yet this selfish lady had to be like that . As a runner , I honestly will always try my best to move out their way , and when possible hop onto a pavement . And when running with a friend or small group , we immediately resort to a single file line of running .
I feel that there is an “ us ” and a “ them ,” which makes me so sad , as I ’ m just trying to enjoy being out and getting fit . Surely that ’ s a mutual goal ? Can we not be in this together and just show support and respect for each other ? After all , they do not “ own ” the roads . Some cyclists are amazing , and will make it work for all – they even greet and we share smiles . But some just make it unpleasant , and act like they have more right than us to be on the road .
Thank you to the cyclists who do accommodate runners ( I think many of you are runners , too !) The roads belong to all of us , let ’ s try be in this together ! Safely and respectfully . – Alison Kleu , Cape Town
First and most importantly , runners need to remember that it is not safe for cyclists to swerve into the road to go around runners , and thus stepping out of their way , when possible , is safer for everybody on the roads . But that will never excuse a cyclist seeming to target a runner or push them out the way . It seems this topic never goes away , and clashes between runners and riders continue , but I do think many athletes in each camp are now more aware of each other , and do make it work out on the roads . I think the onus is on each of us to do our part to continue the education and co-operation . – Ed .
REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS ……
Coke after a race and being given a ‘ vuil kyk ’ if you take two . That queue for a portaloo . Ignoring all sensible advice of your injury , yet you still run the race because of advice found on Google .
8 ISSUE 140 APRIL 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za