Runners shine at Bedfordview marathon

Thousands of runners flocked to Bedfordview for the Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run presented by Momentum Multiply.

A mix of excitement and anticipation filled the air as runners lined up in their seeded batches for the early start to tackle the challenging but scenic route.

The route took runners through the winding hills of Bedfordview and also Primrose.

Proudly hosted by Bedfordview Athletics Club, Gauteng’s premier half marathon attracted runners young and old.
Six thousand runners participated in the half marathon while another 1 000 participated in the 5km fun run.

ALSO READ: Locals urged to support Edenvale’s annual marathon on March 9

Athletes from Lesotho put their prowess on display, with Namakoe Nkhasi from Nedbank Running Club Lesotho securing first place in the highly competitive men’s race with a blistering time of 1:05:56.

His compatriot Jobo Khataone, running in the colours of Maxed Elite International, finished second in 1:06:01.

Bringing up third was South African Matlakala Seloyi from Waterfall Athletics Club who rounded out the podium, crossing the finish line in 1:06:04.

The results in the women’s race were just as fiercly contested with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala earning the win for Hollywood Bets Athletics Club in 1:17:10.

Nthabiseng Letokoto finished second, with the Maxed Elite Lesotho athlete finishing in 1:19:51. Local Nedbank Running Club athlete Shanice Peens finished third in 1:27:15.

In total, 167 athletes broke the magical 90-minute mark.

ALSO READ: Comrades Marathon Association changes qualifying time

This year marked the first time the event was hosted with Biogen as the title sponsor.

After 22 years, Dis-Chem passed the naming rights to its leading sports and wellness brand, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for a second year.

Race director Charnia Yapp stated: “We are delighted to continue the journey with Biogen, Momentum Multiply, Dis-Chem and all the co-sponsors who make races like ours possible for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy.”

She said the sponsors and co-sponsors, which include Norflex Gel, SmectaGo, TransAct, Old Spice, Essentiale Extreme, Dove, and Gillette, bring incredible value to the runners.

Brandon Fairweather, health category marketing manager for Dis-Chem Pharmacies, thanked every participant and co-sponsor for a wonderfully organised event.

Besides promoting wellness and health, the race raised funds for the Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation.

Race organisers thanked the runners for their donations and the Dis-Chem Foundation who matched the donations for the nominated charities.