Same Great Race – New Name

The Dis-Chem Half Marathon Relaunches as The Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply for 2025.

After 22 years, Dis-Chem is proud to announce that its leading sports and wellness brand, Biogen has been appointed as title sponsor in 2025 for the Half Marathon and 5km Dash, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for their second year running.

The 23rd edition is proudly hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and will take place on 12 January 2025. Runners can look forward to the same high-quality event, with exceptional value, with a challenging route winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose. The route offers spectacular views and will offer the perfect
kickstart to the running calendar in the New Year.

‘We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event’ said Rui Morais – CEO Dis-Chem Pharmacies. ‘The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and our emphasis on overall well-being has always been an anchor to the Dis-Chem brand, and this focus, supported by an ongoing investment in sport, simply echoes the brand promise that ‘Better Health
Starts Here’. The long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics has served us well, and we have no doubt the team will deliver another first-class event, now with our premium brand Biogen at the forefront.’

Charnia Yapp, Race Director, said, ‘Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to hosting the 23rd race with a new title sponsor still within the Dis-Chem Group. We are delighted to continue the journey with Biogen, Momentum Multiply, Dis-Chem and all the co-sponsors who make races like ours possible for novice and seasoned runners to enjoy. The
sponsors bring incredible value to the runners.’

Presenting sponsors Momentum Multiply offer a world-class wellness rewards programme that rewards members from day one for looking after their mental and physical wellbeing.

‘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 Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Dash because it aligns with getting our members to make healthier choices and stay active,’ said Márcia Eugénio – Head of Multiply that is part of Momentum Health
Solutions.

Momentum Health Solutions is also avid supporters of multiple disciplines of sports across South Africa, with sound investment in cricket, cycling and running to name a few.

Biogen Brand Manager, Brandon Fairweather shares the sentiment. ‘Biogen have worked with Momentum Health Solutions on multiple, national events and it’s a seamless, natural fit with both brands being focused on the enhancement of health and fitness.’ He added: ‘We’re excited for this opportunity and grateful that Dis-Chem have entrusted us with their flagship event, and we look forward to building on what is already known to be a world class run.’

The Half Marathon will have a seeded start and will be timed as per normal. The race starts in Riley Road in Bedfordview at 06:00am on Sunday and the 5km Dash will also be timed, starting 30 mins later at 06:30am on the same day.

The race is known to sell out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. There are 6000 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag. Entries are open online www.biogen21.co.za and close on 15 December or once the 6000 available entries are sold. The 5km Fun Run will be back and there are 1000 entries available.

Funds will also be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

ENTRIES OPEN ARE OPEN!

Entries Open for 21st Dis-Chem Half Marathon

Entries are open for the 21st Dis-Chem Half Marathon and Centrum 5km Dash Fun Run, taking place on Sunday 15 January 2023.This is Gauteng’s premier half marathon, and is hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics.

The race route remains unchanged, winding its way through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose, and providing runners with a challenging course and spectacular views. The Half Marathon starts in Riley Road at 6am, and will have a seeded start.

Race marshals will be stationed along the route to ensure the safety of runners, while simultaneously offering them encouragement, and there will be six water points, but runners are encouraged to bring their own water. Space for club gazebos as well as catering, locker and shower facilities will be available at the finish.

The race has previously sold out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. There are 6500 entries available for the 21km race and all entrants will receive a moisture-management race T-shirt. Athletes can also choose to purchase a commemorative medal for the 21km. Entries will close on 15 December, or once the 6500 available entries are sold. The Centrum 5km Fun Run will also be back, and the first 600 entries will get a Centrum-branded moisture-management T-shirt.

Thanks for the Support!

Race Director Charn Swart says, “Bedfordview Country Club Athletics looks forward to celebrating the 21st anniversary of the race that kicks off the 2023 running season. What a fantastic journey with Dis-Chem and co-sponsors that enable races like ours for novice and seasoned runners alike to enjoy.”

Stan Goetsch of headline sponsor, Dis-Chem, adds, “We are extremely proud of our 21-year sponsorship of the event. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, our emphasis on overall well-being and our support of the sport, has always been paramount to us at Dis-Chem. Through our long-standing relationship with Bedfordview Country Club Athletics, who continue to deliver a first-class event, we trust that we have achieved this.”

The organisers would also like to thank the following co-sponsors: Centrum, Norflex Gel, smecta, TransAct, ViralChoice and Biogen for their continued support, which has spanned many years. Their contributions remain crucial to ensuring the continued success of the event.

Funds will be raised for the two race charities: 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. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

Enter online now at https://dischem21.co.za. The 21km race general entry fee is R200, while the 5km Dash race entry fee is R100 (and thereafter R70 without a T-shirt). If you have questions, please mail the organisers at [email protected].