C o l u m n
WHAT ’ S THAT YOU SAY ?
G ’ DAY , COMRADE !
I live in a small town in Australia , known as Tamborine Mountain . It ’ s a tourist destination , and today coming out of a cafe , the guy walking towards me had a Comrades cap on . We stopped for a chat , and he still lives in South Africa , and was in Queensland on holiday . We had a great chat , and he took photos , but I didn ’ t take a photo , and my memory is so bad , I forgot his name . Sorry , fellow Comrade , but I should have written your name down . – Bruce Hargreaves
POST-WINELANDS ACTIVITIES
What fun activities are there to do after the Winelands Marathon , besides crawling into a ball on the grass ? – Denver Van Der Bergh
Lee-Anne Freeland Hughes : Isn ’ t the Avbob 15km happening the next day ? That ’ s always a super fun one to run . Denver Van Der Bergh : I meant maybe a picnic or breakfast somewhere after the race , as it ’ ll take some time for me to be able to drive after the race .
Celso de Nobrega : Sleep Denver Van Der Bergh : Can ’ t sleep and drive home .
DON ’ T FORGET THE 80S
This morning at a race , a lady aired her sadness because no prizes are allocated for the 80-year-old category at most races . She feels that there are quite a few runners in this category who run stronger and faster than runners younger than them . Here l have to agree , and I am doing what l promised her – awakening the minds of the race organisers . Let us see that clubs or race organisers acknowledge their participation , too . – Gayatoenesa Ismail Gasnola
Oloff Crous : They are a great inspiration for the younger generations . All clubs should implement this with immediate effect .
Raquel Floris : That would be awesome . Even if sponsors can just give them something small . I ’ m literally running today for the 80-year-old me ! Let ’ s acknowledge current 80 + runners
Shamiela Davis : I agree fully ! It ’ s such an inspiration to see the older runners still enjoying the sport .
Jenny Ramsay : I won twice this year as the first over-70 finishing , thinking exactly the same , no acknowledgement for the over-80s , who so inspire a lot of us . So , thank you for raising this point .
Van Hunks : I competed in the Gun Run 10k as a walker and was listed as the first lady in the 70 category . And yes , 80 and over would be as magnificent an encouragement if special prizes were awarded for them . Do we want more of the older generation to compete ? Yes !
Wayne Mac Gear : Think it ’ s time to reconsider the 80-plus category . We are letting these runners down . Imagine you 79 and competing in 70 category . The next year you turn 80 and are no longer regarded as being competitive and eligible for anything . Times have changed and reality is that there are good runners getting to the eighties and want to run competitively .
Vanessa le Borgne : Tokai Manor House 8km and 16km Green Belt run on the Sunday . Denver Van Der Bergh : Was kinda talking about on the day after the race ... don ’ t think I ’ ll be able to run straight after again .
Shudley Daniels : Wine tasting Denver Van Der Bergh : Shudley , where ? Sandor Lajos Varga : Denver , it is a very difficult question . About 200 farms to choose from around Stellenbosch . Try to make a right decision . Denver Van Der Bergh : Sandor , thanks for the help . Sandor Lajos Varga : Denver , it is my absolute pleasure . My wife said I have to be more “ nice .”
Ed ’ s Note : I lived in Stellenbosch most of my life , so I know there really are more than 200 wine farms in and around Stellies ... and I speak from experience , too !
NOT QUITE RUNNING WITH MUSIC
Few months ago , I was running a trail around a wine farm . Running along the vineyards , I noticed CD ’ s hanging between the vines . I thought it was to keep birds away from the grapes , but I was wrong . Closer inspection revealed that the CD ’ s were there to prevent viruses . I kid you not . Really !! I know this , because all the CD ’ s , and there were hundreds of them , were old Norton Anti-virus installation CD ’ s . Had a good chuckle to myself the rest of the way . – Ryno Mouton
Joanne Clegg : 60 is the new 40 , so it should be over 80 now .
Wietse van der Westhuizen : I totally agree !! They are the ones that supported road running for years and to still to be running at 80 and actively supporting road races DESERVES category prize money .
Andrew Augustus : We live in a world where old people have become invisible .
Carla Greig : Agree ! Many of the older runners are kicking my butt for sure , and should be recognised .
Gayatoenesa Ismail Gasnola The positive responses indicate that it ’ s long overdue . Let us witness the smiles on our 80 + faces when they are being given recognition for their efforts , too !
COMRADES IN CANADA
A Canadian met a German at the start line in Niagara Falls marathon over the weekend . What they both had in common was their love for Comrades Marathon & South Africa . Ralf tapped me on my shoulder , as he recognised my Comrades Buff . First thing we do as Comrades runners who meet as strangers is ask , “ How many have you run ?” He has run three Comrades , I have run four . – Sherab Melvin
Images : Sean Falconer & courtesy Stellenbosch Wine Routes , Wikimedia , Annatjie Berntzen Sherab Melvin
10 ISSUE 163 | | www . . modernathlete . . co . . za