Benoni Northerns Marathon to go ahead without a sponsor

The Benoni Northerns Athletic Club (BNAC) seeks a new sponsor for the Benoni Northerns Marathon to be held on April 13 at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club (BNSC) in Northmead.

Despite rising costs for essentials like EMPD support, health and safety measures, water, toilets, and medals, the club said this year’s race, sanctioned by Athletics South Africa, will go ahead as scheduled.

It features a 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and a 5km fun run, as well as the 48km ultra which debuted last year,
“We are actively seeking a new sponsor but would not let the lack of finding one stop us form staging the race.

“The BNAC Marathon has always been about community, passion, and resilience, and we are committed to delivering another exceptional race day,” said race director Kerry Webb.

Last year, Samuel Matsepe and Elrize Kruger won the men’s and women’s marathon while Bennet Seloyi and Lebogang Phalula-Luthuli landed the 21.1km golds. Keaton Stansfeld and Cian Oldknow won the 10km.

Webb explained they are excited to bring back the 48km ultramarathon, won by Mziwonke Mgwendu and Nancy Barber last year, which offers runners a local, affordable alternative to other ultras happening around the same time in different provinces.

Also Read: Matsepe retains title, Kruger wins first marathon

“The 48km race is also a strategic choice for Comrades Marathon hopefuls, giving them more room to breathe in terms of average pace. By choosing a 48km qualifier instead of the standard marathon, borderline qualifiers can gain almost half a minute per kilometre,” she said.

The race is one of the few remaining Comrades Marathon qualifiers. To qualify, runners must complete the 42.2km under 05:00. Alternatively, they can complete the 48km, which gives runners the advantage of saving while meeting the same qualifying criteria within 5:59:59.

According to Webb, the BNAC Marathon has been a favourite among thousands of runners for over 30 years and known for its fast and flat course, enthusiastic marshals and well-stocked water tables.

“Over the past three years, we have been fortunate to have the generous contribution of CMS Security as our security partner. A third-party security partner is a requirement of SASREA. To have this portion of our race expenses taken care of is of tremendous help.

“The Benoni CPF has, for many years, willingly allocated patrollers and resources along the routes to assist with traffic and safety. We are grateful for the support of the Benoni CPF, which demonstrates the spirit of the Benoni community continues to live strong.”

Entries are available at The Benoni Northerns Sports Shop, at the Benoni Northerns Sports Club, from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 13:00 on weekends (until April 10).

Online entries are available at www.entryninja.com until April 9.

Also Read: In pictures: Benoni Northerns Marathon sponsored by BES Empowerment College