Claremont-based Celtic Harriers Club paid tribute to long-standing club member Harold “the voice of road running” Berman, at its annual gala award presentation, held at Newlands cricket ground, last Friday.
Seldom at a loss for words, Berman can be forgiven for being a bit tongue-tied when presented with a painting by Steenberg artist William Onker, that captures him in his element – microphone in hand, with a pack of runners in the background.
This is exactly how road runners across the city will remember him, as the man on the mic, his eloquent voice ringing in their ears at the start of a race or welcoming runners home as they cross the finish line, in that inimitable, soothing fashion Berman is famous for.
Cool, calm and collected, Berman, a resident of Three Anchor Bay, decided to hang up his mic earlier this year after more than 50 years of volunteering his time, energy and efforts in the interest of the running community.
President of the club since 1991, Berman joined Celtics in 1961, competing on the track, cross country and road running before joining the club committee in 1967, serving in various capacities over the years.
He said he picked up the mic or perhaps even a loud hailer, around 1973, a period that saw an increase in the popularity of the sport of road running, but there were no race announcers.
Berman said he discovered his knack for remembering names and surnames at an early stage due to his passion for athletics.
But he’s not just good with remembering names, he’s also good with facts and stats in the world of athletics. For now, he said, it’s time to pass the mic to a younger generation of announcers.
“After more than 2 000 races I’m happy not having to wake up at unearthly hours over weekends for road races,” he jokingly said.
However, his friends, colleagues and club mates might find it hard to believe that Berman is about to sit back in a rocking chair.
“Harold is very dedicated in what he does and takes on,” said his long-time buddy Kaare James, a member of Pinelands Athletic Club, who was invited as a guest speaker at Celtics’ presentation.
He has arranged three “old boys” reunions for Sea Point Boys’ High since 1962, said James,” who has known Berman since high school.
“Harold has a remarkable memory for names, that is why he was a very popular race announcer,” said James.
“It’s a fitting time to honour him and pay tribute to his decades of service, both to our club as well as to the running community at large,” said club treasurer, Liezel Morkel.
“Our executive committee also created a new club award in Harold’s name, called the Harold Berman Award, to recognise service excellence to the club. The first recipient of this award was Peter Taylor, also well-known as the barefoot runner,” she said.
