Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 62, September 2014 | Page 22

The
ame
G
nger
Cha
For Kevin Welman, Managing Director of Fleishman-Hillard SA,
running is a time-out from demanding work schedules in the PR
industry, but it’s also a creative space. – BY LAUREN VAN DER VYVER

S

tarting out as an intern at FleishmanHillard 20 years ago, Kevin worked his way
up through the ranks and has spent the last
seven years heading one of the country’s top
PR companies, taking on exciting brands and
propelling them to new heights. It’s allowed him
the freedom to use running as an imaginative
fuel, and he says he never ignores a running
appointment in his diary.
MA: Firstly, how did you get into running?
Kevin: I played sport my whole life growing up
in Jo’burg. When I was 25, someone challenged
me to do Two Oceans, and I started running
more after that, but I didn’t enter another
race until four years later, when I decided to
take Oceans on again. Since then it’s been
a huge part of my life, and I eventually got
to Comrades. This is when you realise South
Africans are crazy, because no one asks if you’ve
run a marathon in this country – it’s always
Comrades as the pinnacle. So in 2009, I decided
that I needed to become part of that club! In
2012 I gave it a go again, but this year didn’t
quite go according to plan. I was in the best
shape, but I got sick on the day and landed up
dropping out at 60km. I’ve done five ultras and
over 20 marathons, and it was the first race I
did not finish. My nieces even made me a little
medal for my 60km. It didn’t dishearten me,
though, I just had an off-day, so I’ll be back for
that Bill Rowan!
MA: Does running provide you with a breath away
from your day-to-day?
Kevin: Without question! I’ve got a highintensity job and running is time to think. It’s
almost strange when I speak to some colleagues

22

Kevin and friend Greg Slade after
conquering Mountain One at the
Three Cranes Trail Challenge.

Images: Jetline Action Photo, Dylan Haskin &
Courtesy Kevin Welman

Ma balancing act

Kevin at the
2013 Wildcoast
Wildrun.

about work and tell them I have to go run to
think things through. A 10-kay is an hour on
the road without mail and it’s time to process
it all. Last year, when I took on the Wildcoast
Wildrun, which was life-changing for me
because it’s just the most beautiful route, it
was ideal because it’s secluded and appealing
because your phone doesn’t work where you
are. You’re in places you’ll rarely see. I also
took on this year’s Three Cranes, and it’s the
same there.
MA: So do you plan when your runs will be in the
week?
Kevin: No week is typical for me, but I’ve
organised my life to accommodate my running.
I’ve built a shower in the office so I can drive
to work at 5am, go for a run and come back
ready for my day. By doing that, I’ve eliminated
traffic. I also plan runs in my diary, because
then you do it. Since I’ve been scheduling
them, they tend to happen more often!

Kevin’s nieces made
him a special medal
after dropping out at
Comrades 2012

MA: You’re a husband and father, too. Is it hard to
juggle that part of your life?
Kevin: I’m fortunate because my wife is
super-fit, so it works out. I know when I can be
home to be dad and when she’s going out on
a run, or the other way around. It helps having
someone who ‘gets it.
MA: What does running give you that translates
back to your PR persona?
Kevin: There are about 60 of us in the
company, working with different clients doing
unique things. Every day is different and digital
has created different possibilities – what we

ISSUE 62 SEPTEMBER 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za

Kevin wants
to return to
Comrades for a
Bill Rowan.

do today is vastly different from what we did five
years ago. Exercise gives you that energy to be
enthusiastic, and you need that same energy
to work in this fast-paced industry. Running
teaches you how much further you can push your
limits, gives you confidence as well as incredible
patience. When I’m at my busiest, I find time to
run more – to plan there instead of at my desk.
There is always time to run. If you love it enough,
you’ll make time.