Have Your Say
Got something on your mind that you want to share , a burning question you want answered , or a good story to tell ? Then send it to letters @ modernathlete . co . za , and add a pic if you can . ( Note that written contributions may be shortened due to space limitations .)
EDITOR ’ S PICK
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC
I was saddened to read recently that music composer Vangelis passed away in May . As a runner , his iconic piece of music that opened the 1981 film Chariots of Fire , will forever be a favourite , as it has become an anthem to us runners . The Comrades start line just would not be the same without it ( along with Max Trimborn ’ s famous cockadoodledo ), and every time I hear it , I am transported back to some of my finest running memories .
I know it is now played to death , so to say , with even local fun runs playing it at their start , finish and prizegiving , but that doesn ’ t stop the goosebumps when I hear that music start . Vangelis may no longer be with us , but his music will live forever . – John , Durban
That piece of music is so powerful , that I think even non-runners think of themselves running when they hear it ! So I will never pass up the opportunity to include that iconic beach running scene in the mag . Enjoy the vid ! – Ed .
STEPPING STONE RACES …
More 30km races are needed for runners working their way up to the marathon
IDEA TO ASSIST WITH COSTS …
I read Alan Buckley ’ s comment in the last edition , suggesting that runners voluntarily pay extra when entering , to help runners who need assistance with covering costs , so I thought , what about ‘ Back-a-Running-Buddy ,’ where full extra entries are paid and separate or differently coloured race numbers are allocated ( to help the admin side ). These can then be released to clubs that identify these runners and award them an entry . The clubs can specify criteria , so that the race organiser only needs to handle the entry fee and allocation of number . Just a thought . – Liezel Pieters , via e-mail
I love the Back-a-Running-Buddy idea ! I just think differently coloured race numbers may make those runners being helped feel a bit self-conscious , so perhaps keep all numbers the same . – Ed .
Images : iStock & courtesy Wikipedia
I ’ m so glad that things are slowly getting back to normal with races , but just a thought : I ’ ve run several marathons and hundreds of half marathons over the years , but why is it that organisers don ’ t include more 25km and 32km races on the calendar ? I know in the past our race calendar revolved around the date of Comrades , and also lots of marathons , as many wanted to get in a last-minute qualifying race , but what of the new runners that want to take that step from a 21km to a 42km ? Most seasoned runners will know the term ‘ hitting the wall ,’ which often happens around the 30km mark of a marathon – I ’ ve been there – so surely it would make sense that our calendar includes a few 25km races and then 32km races before a ‘ newbie ’ tackles the big 42km ? – Mike Gordon-Van Dyk , Middelburg
I agree 100 % with you , Mike , that we could do with more ‘ intermediate races ,’ especially around the 30-32km distance . Hopefully a few race organisers and sponsors are reading this … – Ed .
Here ’ s a way to help runners who can ’ t afford entry fees
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