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INTERNATIONAL. As the countdown to the 2012 Moodie Multi-National Marathon, in aid of Hand in Hand for Haiti, begins, The Moodie Report is pleased to introduce a new feature series called Marathon Matters, in which well-known industry executives answer ten light-hearted questions about their running regime.
We begin with DFS Group Chairman and CEO Ed Brennan, a member of Hand in Hand for Haiti’s original steering committee, and a key driving force behind the charity.
How often do you run?
I try to exercise four to five days per week. My workout includes running, walking and the elliptical machine.
Why do you run?
So I can keep up with my wife and three boys, who are all much better athletes than me.
When and where do you usually run?
Just about everywhere, since much of the time I’m on the road.
What’s the furthest you’ve ever run?
The Honolulu Marathon – but I have to admit there was a bit of walking included.
Where is the most exotic place you’ve ever run?
The South Island of New Zealand, with the water at my side and mountains in the distance.
Do you run alone or with others?
I mostly run alone and it is a great way to clear my mind and set priorities.
What’s your favourite music to listen to while running?
My son’s hip-hop music which he writes and sings. The only problem is I have no idea what he is saying most of the time!
What’s your favourite post-run meal?
An apple to keep the doctor away.
What’s your target time for the Moodie Multi-National Marathon?
Our event will be held in Hong Kong along the South China Sea with hundreds of DFS employees. My objective is not time-related, and will be focused on saying thank you to all our volunteers.
If you could invite any other five iconic figures (they can be living or dead, athletic or otherwise) to join your team, who would they be?
My dad, who spent his whole career in retail and was my mentor. Louis Zamperini – an Olympic runner in 1936. His incredible life story is told in the book Unbroken. Nelson Mandela. Payton Manning – an all-pro quarterback in American football. He is humble, fiercely competitive and a great leader. And Martin Moodie – I know he will bring a bottle of wine to hydrate along the way.
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DFS Group Chairman and CEO Ed Brennan leads the company’s legion of runners at the inaugural Moodie Marathon |
Note: The second Moodie Multi-National Marathon is the follow-up to the hugely successful global event in 2011 which raised over US$300,000 for Hand in Hand for Haiti. This year’s event will be conducted between 15 and 18 June. Teams of six from travel retail companies will each run one-sixth of a marathon (7.03km), with members being able to take part anywhere in the world. Participants can run on treadmills, track or any terrain of their choice.
Each team will seek sponsorship with all funds going to Hand in Hand for Haiti. A dedicated website has been created where teams can register and supporters donate.
On the 3 October 2011, Hand in Hand for Haiti opened the Lycée Jean Baptiste Point du Sable – a school funded and run by the travel retail industry – in the town of Saint Marc. The state-of-the-art facility offers a unique, all-encompassing approach to education – featuring accessible best-in-class, bilingual English-French instruction from kindergarten to (eventually) 13th grade. It is currently providing education for 152 children between 3 and 5 years of age.
All donations from this year’s Moodie Multi-National Marathon will go towards funding three crucial facilities: a computer centre, a library and a music centre.
