Over 7 000 participants took the opportunity to run through the scenic and hilly suburbs of Bedfordview and Primrose during the 2026 Biogen 21K.

The Premier Half Marathon, presented by Momentum Multiply, and the SmectaGo 5km Fun Run with Dis-Chem and Biogen took place on January 11, with runners in both the 21km and 5km distances gathering at the Bedfordview Country Club.

Race director Charnia Yapp said Bedfordview Athletics, which forms part of the Bedfordview Country Club, has been hosting the half-marathon for many years, and that this year marked 24 years of working with the event’s special sponsors, including Biogen. She added that Momentum Multiply has been involved for the past three years.

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Yapp highlighted that about 350 volunteers assist on race day.

“We have people on the route, all the marshals, so we’re all volunteers. The main objective for us is to keep the runners safe,” she said.

She added that when runners enter online, they also contribute to two charities supported by the race, Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation. The Dis-Chem Foundation matches all donations made by runners.

“I just want to say, as the race organiser, a very big thank you to our sponsors and a really huge thank you to all our club members, their family and friends, and the other clubs in the area that help us,” said Yapp.

“We have Edenvale and Germiston helping us with the water points, and I really appreciate that sense of community.

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“And to our suburbs, Bedfordview and Primrose, where the route runs through, we really appreciate your patience on a day like this.

“We know it can be challenging sometimes, but we truly appreciate that you allow us to host this race in your beautiful suburbs.”

She acknowledged the Ekurhuleni Joint Operations Centre’s approval of the event to ensure compliance and safety.

Yapp also expressed her gratitude to the Bedfordview VPF, Primrose CPF and security companies, including Spider Tactical, BSG and Blue Hawk Tactical, for their assistance. She further thanked the SAPS and EMPD for providing professional services in line with regulations while going the extra mile.

In total, 7 500 entries were sold, with 6 500 for the 21km race and 1 000 for the 5km fun run.

Head of marketing for Momentum Multiply, Leré Smith, said the race aligns strongly with the organisation’s values and vision of bringing more health to more people for less in South Africa.

“The community is such an important part of that. Taking ownership of your health through movement, nutrition, sleep, breathing and reducing stress, and doing it as part of a community at an event like this, aligns incredibly well with our vision,” said Smith.

Bedfordview CPF chairperson Collin McKenzie said the CPF has always assisted with the annual event alongside the Better Bedfordview Patrollers and other volunteers. Members begin their duties as early as 04:30, working with traffic police to support the race.

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They deploy patrollers to key sections to assist with traffic flow, contain runners and monitor for potential troublemakers.

“We make sure the route is clear and patrol alongside the police, watching for suspicious vehicles or activity to minimise the risk of vehicle theft,” McKenzie said.

The men’s 21km race was won by George Kusche, while Irvette van Zyl claimed victory in the women’s race.