As far a photographs go, this one ranks up there as one of my all time favorites. Taken on the day before the 2017 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, it shows Hendrick Ramaala (second left) and his Zoo Lake elite running squad enjoying lunch. More importantly, it epitomizes the African running culture.
Desmond Mokgobu (far right) won the Beppu Marathon in Japan on Sunday. A regular South African representative at international level, Desmond underlined his class with a superb 2:09 and change in the Land of the Rising Sun. He'll be rewarded for his success, no doubt, both financially and elevated status in the professional running world. And good for him. Running is his profession and a talent like Desmond is worth every single cent of appearance and prize money, not to mention present and future endorsements.
But there is more to guys like Desmond and Hendrick and Xolisa Tyali (seated fourth left). Much more in fact. Everybody marvels at the speed that these guys race at, ogling at their weekly mileage (excuse me kilometers) totals and lung searing speedwork sessions. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
I count myself very fortunate to have enjoyed the company of these guys and girls from South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya from time to time. And not necessarily because of their running CVs. No, it is witnessing their happiness and grace, sometimes joking with each other, other times quieter, but always smiling. Their zest for life is infectious, staggering when one considers the humble backgrounds that many of these athletes come from. Ryan Hall once commented that the African runners always act the same, whether in victory or in the dreaded DNF-mode. And he is so right.
Yes, it's easy to be happy around these folks, which could be the missing link in many a training program. So congratulations is in order for Desmond.
Keep running (fast) around the lake and keep smiling dear chap.
You've done good 'bro!
