Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 95, June 2017 | Page 7

Have YOUR
letters
SAY
Ma
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
[e-mail].
(Note that these letters may have been shortened due to space limitations.)
WINNING LETTER
A STROKE OF LUCK
It gives me great pleasure to write this piece of encouragement to all runners. On
Wednesday 25 January, I ran the JointEze Dan Luyt 15km race after a very long lay-off
due to injury and personal matters. One of my resolutions for 2017 was to return to road
running, but the Dan Luyt is not exactly the race to select to start the year, since I re gard
the course as very tough for a beginner. That said, I am not a newcomer to road running,
having already successfully completed both an Up and Down Comrades Marathon 20
years ago, but after 5km of the race I found myself in last position when this guy from
Durbanville Athletic Club called Lucky Ngwenya came to my aid.
He introduced himself and politely indicated that he will accompany me till the end of
the race, as he is the sweeper. His support, advice, running anecdotes and encouragement
were phenomenal. He reminded me again how it felt to be a runner. We did fartlek, run-
walk routines, hill management, and spoke about running paraphernalia. He was actually
coaching me and reminding me of the many benefits of running, which I had forgotten
about. What a bonus for being the last runner.
In the dark we ran on. At some point we did not know where to turn and he phoned his
clubmate for directions, then illuminated the road with the flashlight from his phone.
Towards the end of the race he even played music for me on his phone. When I laid
my eyes on the finishing clock in the dark, I cried like a baby, because I never thought
I could finish such a race after just a week of training. I did not receive a medal for
finishing the race, because I did not make the cut-off time, but I think I have achieved
much more in running, which is priceless rejuvenation after such a long lay-off.
I would not have completed this race without the presence of Lucky. If you’ll excuse
the pun, I was indeed extremely lucky to meet a guy like Lucky – he was sent from the
heavens! Lucky Ngwenya is an ambassador for road running. His encouragement and
support for a fellow runner was so overwhelming that I had to share this with you, and
say thank you to all the marshals
and the team at the end who waited
patiently for me to complete the race.
– Shamiel Marthinus, Strand
I love stories like this, because once
again it shows the camaraderie that
exists in running. No matter one’s
background, education, job, bank
balance or the car we drive, once
out on the road or trails, we are all
just runners, and we may receive
help, support and friendship from
the most unexpected places and
people. Welcome back to the running
community, Shamiel. – Ed.
ALIVE AND KICKING
In December I turned 70
and only a runner would
delight in advertising her
age by wearing a little bit of
cloth with her age blazoned
in red across it. I couldn’t
wait to run my first race in
my new category. Alas, I
have now learnt that once
you hit 70 you become
a non-person, a non-
existent runner, an oddity
to be admired (usually) or
patronised (sometimes).
Because it seems that the
70+ category does not exist.
You are included in the 60+
category, and I defy anyone
who is 70-plus to beat a lean
and mean 60-year-old.
Why is this? Maybe cash-strapped clubs just can’t afford to provide
a cash prize for another category. Maybe we are an embarrassment to
the noble and ancient sport of running as we stagger into the finish,
wheeling our Zimmer frames. Or maybe the thought of a 70-year-old
still running is beyond people’s comprehension.
There are many clubs that do reward us wrinklies – I have seen their
flyers on the internet – but many others don’t do so. I don’t think
that ASA can prescribe what category prizes should be awarded, but
I think that it would be a kind and gracious gesture to acknowledge
the 70+ runners. And we would be mightily pleased to be noticed. –
Georgina Tasseron, Paulpietersburg
I believe that the 70-plus Great Grandmasters should be recognised for
their athletic achievements. After all, they are great AND grand! – Ed.
DON’T
UNDERESTIMATE
THE R50 WATCH
I have a very good friend who is quite a
famous Pacesetter in Cape Town. He is
excellent at his job and always brings the
bus in on time. I have had to endure quite
a bit of teasing from him for borrowing
my daughter’s R50 watch to race with.
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