The Dis-Chem Half Marathon, presented by Momentum Multiply, wrapped up a successful 21km and 5km race on 14 January 2024. Participants enjoyed a fun atmosphere on the scenic and challenging route through Bedfordview and Primrose on 14 January 2024.
Gauteng’s premier half marathon is proudly hosted by Bedfordview Athletics Club for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy at the start of the year. The winning male and female runners respectively were Onalenna Khonkhobe from Nedbank Running Club with a time of 01:05:49, and Irvette Van Zyl from Hollywood Athletics Club, who finished with a time of 01:16:13 – both finishing faster than the 2023 contenders.
Charnia Yapp, Race Director, said, ‘Hosting a race like this is not possible without the support of our community, service providers and volunteers from our club and of course our title sponsors Dis-Chem and presenting sponsors Momentum Multiply. We would also like to thank the co-sponsors: Centrum, Norflex Gel, Smecta, TransAct, Essentiale ViralChoice, Biogen, Vaseline, Gillette and Mitchum for their support.’
This was the 22nd time the event was hosted with Dis-Chem as the title sponsor – their invaluable sponsorship contribution once again adding enormous value. Presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply will be onboard for the next 3 years. Momentum Multiply is a wellness rewards programme that rewards members from day one for looking after their mental and physical wellbeing and they treated all their Momentum Multiply members who ran to a VIP experience at the finish.
‘We want to thank every participant and co-sponsor that came out for a stunning day out and a wonderfully organised event in the community,’ says Brandon Fairweather; Health Category Marketing Manager for Dis-Chem Pharmacies. ‘It was inspiring to be out there alongside so many enthusiastic runners of all fitness levels, choosing to start their year with a solid health statement that could set the tone for 2024. The Dis-Chem Half Marathon, presented by Momentum Multiply, will remain an anchor event in our calendar, to kick off each new year with a further commitment to our brand promise that Better Health Starts at Dis-Chem.’
‘You earn rewards from day one for making healthy choices and for every step you take to improve your overall health. We’re excited to partner with the Dis-Chem Half Marathon and 5km Dash because it aligns with getting our members to make healthier choices and stay active,’ said Márcia Eugenio – Head of Momentum Multiply.
The race supports the Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand. A big thank you to the runners for their donations and the Dis-Chem Foundation who matched these donations. R35,240 was raised for Lambano Sanctuary and R31,500 for Namaqua Dog & Donkey Foundation, who will be able to sterilise close to 60 animals with this donation.
The race sold out with 6500 21km entries and 1000 5km Fun Run entries being sold. The Half Marathon was a seeded start. The 5km was timed for the first time. All entrants were able to enjoy free race photos sponsored by Dis-Chem, Biogen and Mitchum.
The race committee extends their gratitude to everyone who helped make the day possible, from the field set up team, registration crews to the marshals on route, the event suppliers and the residents of Bedfordview and Primrose for their patience and tolerance of the disruptions endured during the course of the event. Better Bedfordview did a fantastic job tidying up the route and fixing potholes. The visible patrolling of the race route by the Road Rangers, Bedfordview and Primrose CPF and the security companies – BHT, RAG, BSG and Spider Tactical – was appreciated.
You can view race photos here. Congratulations to the overall and respective age category winners. R57,000 in prize money was paid out.
https://dischem21.co.za
info@dischem21.co.za
Race Number: 083 287 6792
Bedfordview Country Club Athletics
https://bedfordviewathletics.co.za
