CONTENTS
In the Mag this Month
Welcome to our 164 th edition . You can click on the page numbers below to go straight to the article of your choice .
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C o l u m n l u m n
WARMING UP
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The Ed ’ s Desk : Taking My Time …
Due to the reaction I often receive when I line up for races , I thought I ’ d explain why I like to start at the back of the pack , and it all dates back to my first year of running in 1995 . – BY SEAN FALCONER
What ’ s That You Say ?
The running community has interesting , informative , thoughtprovoking , humorous and entertaining opinions and conversations , so each month we pick a few that caught our eye . – COMPILED BY SEAN FALCONER
News : Your World Athletes of Year
In early December , World Athletics announced the winners of its World Athletics Awards 2023 , with expanded categories that recognise different disciplines within the sport . – BY SEAN FALCONER & WORLD ATHLETICS
Stats & Facts : January Jumpstarts
The world of running produces scintillating times and interesting statistics , including these standout performances in January from the annals of SA running . – BY RIËL HAUMAN
On the cover
Leigh de Necker on the slopes of Table Mountain during the UTCT UT100 Photograph by Sportograf
ISSUE 164
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ROAD RUNNING l u m n
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Runner ’ s Highs on Road
A great race image will make you wish you had been on the start line of that race … like these pics from the recent Tough One , Winelands , Robben Island and Christmas Challenge events .
Putting on My Big Girl Pants
When I blew out the 20 birthday candles at the start of 2023 , I didn ’ t know what lay ahead , but I knew I would be finding out how my legs would handle going further than ever before . – BY ELA MEIRING
The Running Mann : Searching for Pots , Chefs , Strooms
I recently found myself in Potchefstroom for the LetsGo Potch Marathon , and besides enjoying a good run with running friends , I also delved deep into the darker side of my sense of humour . – BY STUART MANN
Nothing Beats an Island Getaway
Those who were fortunate to be part of the inaugural Robben Island Museum Memorial Run 10km not only helped to both commemorate and make history , but also came back with a unique running experience . – BY SEAN FALCONER
Running When You ’ re Old ( and Big )
I may not be the same shape and size as many of the other runners in the races that I enter , but I ’ m still there , putting one foot in front of the other , and enjoying my running ! – BY GUILLAUME SMIT
SA ’ s Biggest Running Publication www . modernathlete . co . za
Leigh de Necker
Mountain Shark ’ s Awesome UTCT
December 2023 / January 2024
Ela Meiring
Big Girl Pants & Comrades Glory
Pg 28
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The Running Mann : 15 Festive Kays
Bonus Second Column : In December I flew to Durban to run the Westville Illovo Christmas Challenge 15km , the ultimate ‘ Christmas Special ,’ filled with costumes , floats , shots and cheer . – BY STUART MANN
Pg 42
Historic Run
Unique 10km on Robben Island
Old & Big
Guillaume Smit ’ s Healthy Outlook
Pg 46
C o l u m n
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Racing on the Wine Route
I recently had the opportunity to race the Sportsmans Warehouse Winelands Half Marathon , and once again found myself blown away by the scenic Stellenbosch vineyards . – BY GRANT JOHNSON with SEAN FALCONER
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Stoke Overload !
Stunning Scenes at Ultra-Trail Cape Town
Potch & Westville
Double Time for The Running Mann
Cover Image : Sportograf
Label Races : Great Opportunities for SA Runners
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Ask Yourself Why … Labels & Points for 2024
With the 2024 World Athletics Label applications being confirmed , it ’ s a good time to look worldly and consider why South African runners are missing out on great experiences and opportunities . – BY NORRIE WILLIAMSON
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ISSUE 164 | www . modernathlete . co . za |