Always smiling

Last week at the Two Oceans marathon trail races, the organisation honoured Sonia with the trophy for the winning woman. It was a lovely gesture and Sonia's partner Brian Key presented the trophy to the winner Landie Greyling. My short blog post and new pics from Good Friday's race below.

Brian presenting Landie with the Sonia Beard Trophy

A beautiful trophy befitting Sonia's memory

I woke up today to very sad news. Sonia Beard, a doyen of Cape Town trail running passed away sometime yesterday. It appears to have been sudden and unexpected. My condolences go to her family especially Brian Key, one of the first runners I met in CT, and who at over 70, often finished in front of me. There was rarely a race where I didn't see him and Sonia. I don't know the details of Sonia's race record but I'd be sure there wasn't a race she hasn't run a dozen times.

Sonia always seemed to know how I was running, my results, how work was going. She was always interested in other people and was involved in organising the Tokai Forest race, where there was no entry fee, but a donation to a charity and where you would bring toys for the hospital that was being supported.

Thanks to Steven Hector for this great pic of Sonia (and Leo!)

Sonia and Brian were such a permanent part of the running scene in Cape Town, that I can't believe when I'm back in CT I won't see her smiling face at a race. Rest in Peace Sonia knowing you inspired and were loved and admired by many.