Entries are open for the 20th Dis-Chem Half Marathon. The 21km marathon will be held on 16 January 2022 as a run through event with no spectators to ensure the event is safe and Covid compliant. The course remains the same, winding its way through Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose – providing runners with a challenging route and spectacular views particularly as the road crests and dives down Primrose Hill.
Race marshals will be stationed along the route offering spirited encouragement to the runners. There will only be four water points and runners are encouraged to bring their own water.
Race organisers support licenced road running, and 2021 Athletics South Africa (ASA) licences are valid. Race Director, Charn Swart of Bedfordview Country Club Athletics, is encouraging athletes to be fully vaccinated prior to entering. Swart also mentioned that: ‘We are excited at the prospect of a live race once again and who knows, but perhaps the return to racing will see the course record broken’.
In a similar vein, Stan Goetsch of headline sponsors Dis-Chem, commented: ‘With the health and welfare of runners and their families at stake, along with the significant amount of event preparation which had taken place, we regretted having to cancel this year’s Dis-Chem Half. While it is difficult to plan with certainty in these uniquely challenging times, Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and ourselves are looking ahead to once again witness the joy, the spirit and the excitement of the challenge of a live road running event at the traditional ‘season’s opener’.
This is the 20th year of Dis-Chem’s event title sponsorship and we thank the following co-sponsors: Centrum, Norflex Gel, smecta, TransAct, ViralChoice and Biogen for their continued support which has spanned many years. Their contributions are critical to ensuring Dis-Chem’s continued hosting of the event.
The race has previously sold out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. Due to Covid regulations, only 3000 entries are available for the 21km race. A further 1000 Virtual entries will be available for runners who cannot get a live race entry. The Virtual run will be untimed and unsupported and can be run from 17-23 January 2022. All 4000 entrants will receive a Dry-fit T-shirt. The Centrum 5km dash will not take place in 2022 due to the entry limitations.
Fully vaccinated runners can collect their race numbers and T-shirts on any collection day. They will need to produce their vaccination certificate (not SMS) and ID. Partially vaccinated runners can only collect their race numbers and T-shirts on Saturday 15 January – the day before the actual race. They will need to provide a valid negative Covid PCR test not older than 48 hours or alternatively undergo an on-site Rapid Antigen test at their own expense at collection. All athletes will be screened and have their temperature taken at collection venues and on race day.
The Half Marathon live race will have a batched start and will be timed. Athletes will not receive medals and will need to depart the finish venue seamlessly, as soon as they complete their run. No club gazebos will be allowed and there will be no catering or shower facilities at the finish.
Funds will be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which provides sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements. Once again runner’s donations over and above their entry fee will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.
The 21km race entry is R300 and Virtual race entry is R200. Enter online now at: https://dischem21.co.za
Road closures:
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Bedfordview Athletics Club
083 287 6792
https://bedfordviewathletics.co.za
Dis-Chem
https://www.dischem21.co.za
