TALKING POINT
Thabo Molete
Sean Falconer
Sipho Mona
challenge . As Sipho puts it , “ I ’ ve worked with Thabo , Altus and Sean on many of the RYC Series events , but not once did I realise just how competitive they were . When I saw how seriously they were taking it with a couple of weeks to go , I had to up my game ! I am just disappointed that Altus had to withdraw , as he was probably going to be my toughest competition , so it would be great if we could take on the challenge again at a later stage .”
In the Spirit of Things
While obviously disappointed that the COVID pandemic had forced the cancellation of the real RYC Series events in 2020 , the commentators said they enjoyed being able to take part in the running action for once , and really got into the spirit of the event . “ I loved that anyone around the country could participate in the RYC Series Heritage Day Virtual Run ,” says Sipho . “ I ran with a group of about 15 people – practising social distancing , of course – and met so many runners and cheered them on as we were all running the same event . Everyone was wearing their event t-shirts on the day , and this made the run even more unique .”
“ It was a unique event , as it had its own dedicated app , and it was good to have it on a national holiday that celebrates the different cultures in our country , with an event that brings them all together and allows people to express themselves with all the regalia they choose to wear on the day . That was a source of excitement as friends and family could run on their local routes and be part of over 15,000 runners around the country , and also receive a virtual medal and certificate with time and position ,” adds Sipho .
Echoing his sentiments , Thabo says , “ After six months of no events , the RYC Series Heritage Day Virtual Run brought the nation together on National Heritage Day . And two days later , still wearing my race number during a recovery jog , this time in Mafikeng , I had so many people stopping me , as they had seen our ‘ rants ’ on social media , and even people from Botswana told me they now felt part of the RYC Series somehow . This really was special , because it could accommodate even more participants that can ’ t make it to the Cape Town , Durban and Joburg races .”
Similarly , Sean really enjoyed being out on the road with so many fellow RYC Series virtual runners . “ The humorous banter between the commentators was great fun – I think Thabo and I were unofficially competing to make the quirkiest video – but more importantly , I think all of us just enjoyed being part of the running action for a change . Of course , we love being on the mic , but we often get that FOMO feeling when watching everybody else experiencing the endorphin-rush of the RYC Series .”
“ I really loved being able to greet fellow runners and stop for a chat with friends that I bumped into on route , and the banter at the pop-up refreshment station at Mouille Point was most enjoyable , even if some running ‘ friends ’ were making jokes
about my lockdown-induced shape . Round is a shape ! Jokes aside , I think many in the running community loved having something to do , and be part of , on Heritage Day , and the pre-race delivery of tees and race numbers really added to the spirit of the day . It led to more people interacting than would have been the case otherwise , and I also loved that several non-participating people out for a run or walk asked me what was happening , as they kept seeing people in RYC Series T-shirts . The event obviously made a good impression .”
Speaking of FOMO …
As the man who unfortunately had to miss the fun , it is perhaps fitting to allow Altus the final word on the Battle of the Commentators Challenge . When asked how he felt when he was told he could not participate , he says it was “ Truly devastating . The one opportunity I had to actually take part in an event I am usually commentating on , and then for it to be taken away by mumps , of all things ! Talk about bad luck .”
He adds that he nevertheless really enjoyed watching the battle unfold . “ We commentators are great friends and are really supportive of each other , but it was so refreshing to see the competitive side of these guys . Maybe we should do this more often . I ’ m sure my fellow commentators will be up for the challenge !
Altus Schreuder
Images : David Tarpey , Mark Sampson , Tobias Ginsberg & courtesy Thabo Molete
10 Run Your City Series