Full field expected at Johnson Crane

The Benoni Harriers expects a field of between 11 500 and 13 000 runners at the Johnson Crane Hire Marathon at Willowmoore Park on January 26.

Last year’s marathon and half-marathon were limited to around 10 500 participants, which is the race’s biggest field since the Covid-19 pandemic, but the huge interest both events drew from the running community convinced the organisers to increase the limit to over 12 000.

“Last year, we limited the number to 10 500 due to the slow economy. But we were inundated with calls from runners and unfortunately, we had to turn them away. We have increased the number to cater for around 12 500 runners,” said race director Ashvin Jivan.

The race was first run in the 1980s and has grown from an event that catered for runners from Benoni and Boksburg to a race that attracts athletes from all over the province.

“We started the race to promote road running. The Benoni Harriers mainly specialised in track and field at the time and our love for long-distance running gave birth to the Johnson Crane Marathon,” Jivan said.

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Johnson Crane Hire has been the sponsor for the past 40 years, making the race one of the longest single-sponsored marathons in the country with Jivan the race director for the past 24 years.

“Our main sponsor has given the Benoni Harriers longevity. We are a good family club and pride ourselves on delivering a quality race to runners. We are also thankful to our other sponsors including Shereno Printers, Strictly Signs and Manny’s Hardware Supplies.”

The race also raises funds for Bramley Children’s Home from Pretoria, Kids Haven and Hope and Help Foundation.

Go Green campaign

Following complaints of litter on the race route after the past two events, the organisers have decided to use biodegradable plastics to reduce harm to the environment.

“I must commend Johnson Crane Hire for their persistence in going green. It came at a cost but along with our partners like Shereno Printers and Strictly Signs, we have managed to educate runners that we are destroying our earth and need to do something about it.

“We hope all participants will place their cups, water sachets and other stuff in the bins or boxes at the water points. Designated areas will be placed to also separate the dirt,” said Jivan.

The 42.2km and 21.1km start at 05:30 and the 10km and 5km follow at 05:45.

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