Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 63, October 2014 | Page 36

ROME MARATHON WINNER ON HER WAY

N

ew Balance and the CMA recently
made Morgan Ross’ year when they called
her up to congratulate her on winning an
all-expense paid trip to run the Maratona Di
Roma in Italy. The 31-year-old from Gauteng
entered the New Balance Maratona Di Roma

competition at a
Comrades Marathon
Women’s Seminar in
February at Monte
Casino, but says she
had no expectations of
winning: “When I got
the news that I’d won,
I didn’t believe it, as all
my friends know how
much I love travelling
and running, so I
thought someone had
doctored a PDF and
typed my name into
the email. I honestly
thought someone
was having a go until
I called Katharine at
New Balance and she
confirmed the prize.
I can’t believe how
lucky I am! Getting to
visit Italy and run the
streets of one of the
most beautiful cities in the world is a dream
come true. Thank you Comrades and New
Balance!”

and in 2009 she completed her first half
marathon in 2:30, then a 32km the following
year, and in 2011 she flew to New York to
participate in her first marathon. Having
loved every step of the race, she decided
that she wanted to run as many marathons
on as many land masses as possible, so in
2012 she signed up for Amsterdam Marathon,
completing it in 4:31 – still her fastest
marathon time to date. “I got to visit the
city where my grandfather grew up, again
combining my love for travel and running.”

Morgan started running in 2007 and it wasn’t
long before she was hooked. Leaving a crazy
party life behind her and trading the heels for
trainers, she dropped 10kg over 18 months,

New Balance and Comrades Marathon
wish Morgan an excellent time in Rome
and all of the best for her race!

Last year Morgan also ran the London
Marathon, finishing in 4:34, and then it was
time for her first attempt at Comrades. Sadly,
she only managed to get to 75km (Cowies
Hill) before ending her journey. “I went into
Comrades a little undertrained and naïve, but
was so thrilled at getting to 75km! It’s not
going anywhere, so I will be back to tackle
the beast. I’m determined to conquer it, back
to back, but working in the music industry
often means that my opportunity to train is
erratic, as all events run till crazy hours of
the morning, and I’m arriving home when
the world is waking up, so balancing early
morning races and work is challenging.”

AMABEADIBEADI CHARITY FOCUS
There are six official Comrades Marathon-Amabeadibeadi charities linked to the race
and benefiting from the charitable fundraising done at the ‘Ultimate Human Race.’
Each month we will throw the spotlight on one of these charities, and we hope you
will give them the support they deserve by making a donation when you enter, or by
purchasing Amabeadibeadi products at the race expo.

Starfish Greathearts Foundation
The Starfish Greathearts Foundation is an international charity that brings hope, life
and opportunity to children who are orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The
foundation believes in the power of individuals to make a difference, and continues
to be inspired by the incredible resilience of the children we meet and support.
Starfish focuses on giving quality care to each child, working from the ground up
and ensuring support is sustainable and communities are empowered to tackle the
pandemic head on. Support Starfish and help make a difference, one child at a time.
More info: www.starfishcharity.org/get-involved-sa

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ISSUE 63 OCTOBER 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za