Runners to hit the streets
Winding its way through Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose, it will provide runners with a challenging route and spectacular views, particularly as the road crests and dives through Primrose Hill.
With the return of the Dis-Chem Half-Marathon community members are reminded of the many road closures that will affect the greater Bedfordview and Germiston area.
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Set to be held on January 16, this year’s event, the 20th of its kind, will be a run-through event with no spectators.
The race is expected to start at 06:00 and end at approximately 11:00.
Last year race director Charne Swart from Bedfordview Country Club Athletics said organisers were excited about the prospect of a live race.
Stan Goetsch of Dis-Chem said although it is difficult to plan with certainty, Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and Dis-Chem look forward to the atmosphere and excitement of a live road running event.
The half-marathon’s course remains the same.
Winding its way through Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose, it will provide runners with a challenging route and spectacular views, particularly as the road crests and dives through Primrose Hill.
Roads that will be affected include Riley Road, Townsend Street, Acacia Street, Oak Avenue, Bowling Road, Florence Avenue, Concorde Road East, Hawley Road, Van Buuren Road, Kloof Road, Homestead Road, Nettleton Road, Talisman Avenue, Nicol Road, Van Der Linde Road, Batten Road, Munday Avenue, Willows Munro Street, Clarkson Street, Davidson Street, River Road, Bradford Road, Smith Road, Geldenhuis Road, Cydonia Road, Taylor Road, Reginald Avenue, Begonia Road, Kerria Road, Gorst Avenue, Anemone Road, Beaconsfield Avenue, Shamrock Road and AG De Witt Drive.
Race marshals will be stationed along the route, offering encouragement to the runners along the way.
There will only be four water points; runners are encouraged to bring their own water.
This year’s virtual run will be untimed, unsupported and can be run from January 17-23.
All 4 000 entrants of the half-marathon will receive a Dri-Fit T-shirt.
Because of entry limitations, the Centrum 5km dash will not take place in 2022.
Swart encouraged athletes to get vaccinated before entering.
Fully vaccinated runners will collect their race numbers and T-shirts on any collection day.
They will need to produce their vaccination certificate (not an SMS) and their ID.
Partially vaccinated runners can only collect their race numbers and T-shirts on January 15.
They will need to provide a valid negative Covid PCR test not older than 48 hours or undergo an on-site Rapid Antigen test at their own expense at collection.
All athletes will be screened and have their temperature taken at collection venues and on race day.
On race day, the live half-marathon race will have a batched start and will be timed.
Athletes will not receive medals and will need to depart the finish venue seamlessly as soon as they complete their run.
No club gazebos will be allowed and there will be no catering or shower facilities at the finish.
This year’s event will raise funds for Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation.
Once again, runners’ donations over and above their entry fee will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.
Enter online at https://dischem21.co.za the live half-marathon race entry fee is R300 while the virtual race will cost R200 per entry.
Contact Bedfordview Athletics Club on 083 287 6792.
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