KNYSNA NEWS - The winner of the women's half-marathon part of the Knysna Forest Marathon, Leigh Callaghan, wrote an heartfelt letter of thanks to the organisers of the event, telling how her family had inspired her to run competitively.
Callaghan, a member of the Gqeberha-based Achilles Amateur Athletics Association, registered a time of 1:24:58.9 in Knysna on Saturday 22 June.
She is the daughter of ex-Proteas star Dave Callaghan, widely remembered for his remarkable unbeaten 169 in an ODI against New Zealand in 1994.
She writes:
"Thank you again for an amazing weekend and super well organised event.
Special place
"On a personal note, this race holds a special place in my heart.
"I have loved running for as long as I can remember, and was introduced to sport at a young age by my parents, Dave and Sharon, who were both accomplished athletes - my dad playing for the Proteas and my mom playing provincial tennis.
"My mom's cousin, Kirsty Weir, a top South African runner in the late 90s/early 2000s - who lived in Knysna for many years, was a significant influence on me.
"I vividly remember watching her compete at different races in 2003, when I was just 8 years old.
"My grandmother would take me to her races, and I was in awe of Kirsty's talent, wanting to run just like her.
Full-circle moment
"She won the Knysna Half for the third time that year. Fast forward 21 years, and I found myself replicating her achievement by winning the half marathon - a real full-circle moment.
"I say it every year, but this event really is the gift that keeps on giving and this year it gave more than I bargained for.
"Moments like these don't come around often, so I will definitely enjoy this one for a while.
"Leading up to Knysna, I had a strong training and racing season - extra grateful to be fit, healthy and able.
"The highlights of my build-up included winning the Eastern Province Half Marathon Championships and finishing in the top 20 at the Two Oceans Half Marathon.
Back next year
"Interestingly, Kirsty, had also won EP Champs in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and the Two Oceans Half in 2000.
"I shared a post in the week leading up to the race, with something American marathon runner, Sara Hall once said - 'My mindset had always been to send it out there, but now it really was. Next time is never guaranteed.
'If you're healthy and prepared at that starting line - let it rip like it's the last time you'll ever get to do it'.
"Thank you to the organisers for an exceptional event year after year, and to the people of Knysna, thank you for sharing your special town with us.
"I look forward to coming back next year, and the next and the next."
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