City Times joins hands with Benoni Northerns Marathon

Formerly known as the Slow-Mag Marathon, the marathon will be run for the 24th time on the morning of Sunday, April 24, from Benoni Northerns Sports Club.

The race consists of a 5km fun run, 10km, 21.1km half-marathon, 42.2km full marathon and a 50km ultra-marathon through the streets of Benoni’s suburbs.

The route is designed to show off the most attractive sights of Benoni and runners will find the going generally flat, with one or two gentle hills to climb.

All in all, it promises to be a reasonably easy run.

Jan Jordaan, organiser of the 2016 Benoni Northerns Marathon, expressed his delight at the partnership and said it is all systems go in terms of preparation for the popular event on the running calendar.

“It [the media partnership] is huge, especially considering that the race has a new name and a new feel to it,” he said.

“We are excited to have a huge field again this year and to welcome thousands to Benoni.”

He explained that about 8 000 emails have been sent out to runners of the former Slow-Mag Marathon and that around 8 000 SMSes have gone out as well, to potential runners.

“Everything is going smoothly in terms of preparations, everything is in place and I am happy where we are now,” added Jordaan.

Karen Watts, general manager of the Caxton Near East and South region, said: “The City Times sees itself first and foremost as a community newspaper and Benoni Northerns is a strong community-orientated club.

“To be able to add our name, and that of Caxton Local Newspapers, to a race and event as prestigious as the Benoni Northerns Marathon is a big honour for us and we are thrilled and proud to be on-board as media partners.”

Kevin van der List, editor of the Benoni City Times, said: “We see this as a great opportunity to enhance the Benoni City Times and Caxton brands within our community.

“We are privileged to be associated with and to partner with a club that has such a longstanding history and community-focused approach.

“We believe that a fit and active community is paramount to ensuring the success of our people.”

The City Times will be providing regular and insightful editorials in the lead up to the race, in both print and digital format, as well as providing readers with the lowdown on affected roads and other factors in the weeks prior to the event.

Keep your eyes on our website, www.benonicitytimes.co.za, social media platforms and the newspaper for new content.

Entries for the event are open at www.enteronline.co.za and entry forms can also be obtained at The Sweat Shop (Irene, Dunkeld West Centre, Fourways and Bedfordview), the Randburg Runner (Linden), Run Away Sports (Pretoria), Sportsmans Warehouse (Boksburg) and Woodstock Cycles (Benoni).

Entries will also be accepted on Saturday, April 23, at the club, between 10am and 5pm, as well as on race day, from 4am.

For additional information visit www.bnac-marathon.co.za.