Johnson Crane Marathon around the corner

The event, which serves as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon and Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, grows in popularity every year and race hosts, Benoni Harriers Athletic Club, will be preparing for almost 10 000 runners who will take on either the 42.2km marathon, the 21.1km half-marathon, the 10.5km quarter-marathon, 5km fun run or the 1km kiddies race.

The 42.2km and 21.1km races will start at 6am sharp, while the 10.5km quarter-marathon and 5km fun run will get underway at 6.30am.

The 1km kiddies race will begin at 7am.

Registration will take place at the venue, from 4.45am.

This year the hosts are offering an incentive for runners who break race records in the 42.2km, 21.1km and 10.5km races.

Prize monies will be doubled for the first male and first female runners who break the records in the respective races.

Bidvest’s Zongamele Dyubeni was the marathon winner in the 2013 edition of the Johnson Crane Marathon and will be hoping to retain the title this year.

The organisers of this year’s race have requested patience from motorists and residents along the route.

The affected main roads/intersections are Struben Street, Millburn Street, O’Reilly Merry Road, Hospital Road, Great North Road, Thomas Road, Elm Road, Benoni Road, President Brand Road, President Boshoff Street, Sarel Cilliers Street and Brodigan Street.

A percentage of the entry fees will be donated to the iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre.

The grounds will provide entertainment for children, making the event the perfect opportunity for a family day out.

Entries close on January 20.

Registration and late entries will take place at Old Bens, corner of President Brand and President Boshoff streets, Rynfield, on Saturday, January 25, from 10.30am to 4pm.

Race day entries can be made from 4.45am, on Sunday, January 26.

Online entries can be done at www.enteronline.co.za.