Entries are open for the Dis-Chem Half-Marathon

Entries are open for the 22nd Dis-Chem Half-Marathon and 5km Dash presented by Momentum Multiply on January 14, 2024.

The route remains unchanged, winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose – providing runners with a challenging route and spectacular views.

Bedfordview Country Club Athletics is the host of the half marathon.

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Race marshals will be stationed along the route, encouraging the runners. There will be six water points along the route with Coke and water sachets.

Charnia Yapp, race director said, “Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to hosting the 22nd race with a fresh rebrand.

“We are delighted to continue the journey with Dis-Chem and co-sponsors who make races like ours possible for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy.”

Dis-Chem Pharmacies’ health category marketing manager, Brandon Fairweather, said: “We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event.

“The promotion of a healthy lifestyle and our emphasis on overall well-being has always been an anchor to the Dis-Chem brand. This focus, supported by an ongoing investment in sport, echoes the brand promise of ‘Better Health Starts Here’.

“The long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics has served us well, and we have no doubt the team will deliver another first-class event.”

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Yapp expressed gratitude to their co-sponsors Centrum, Norflex Gel, Smecta, TransAct, Essentiale ViralChoice, Biogen, Vaseline and Gillette.

The half marathon is now also presented by Momentum Multiply, a partnership that is meant to continue for the next three years.

Momentum Multiply is a wellness rewards programme that rewards members for looking after their mental and physical well-being.

“You earn rewards from day one for making healthy choices and every step you take to improve your overall health.

“We are excited to partner with the Dis-Chem Half Marathon and 5km Dash because it aligns with getting our members to make healthier choices and stay active,” said Márcia Eugenio, head of multiply incentivised wellness for Momentum Health Solutions.

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The race is known to sell out within weeks of entries opening. There are 6 000 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag.

Entries close on December 15 or when the 6 000 available entries are sold.

The 5km fun run will be back and there are 1 000 entries available that will all get a pair of Centrum-branded socks.

The half marathon will have a seeded start and will be timed.

The race will start at Riley Road from 06:00, with the 5km Dash starting at 06:30 on the same day.

Club gazebos, catering, locker and shower facilities will be available at the finish.

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Funds will be raised for the two race charities – Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand.

All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

Entries are R230, and 5km Dash race entry is R100.