Entries Are Open For The Biogen Half Marathon and SmectaGO 5km

The iconic Biogen Half Marathon and SmectaGO 5km Fun Run presented by Momentum Multiply continues to set the pace as Gauteng’s premier half marathon, attracting thousands of runners eager to kickstart their year with a challenging yet rewarding experience. With its scenic and hilly route weaving through Bedfordview and Primrose, participants can look forward to another unforgettable morning of fitness, fun, and community spirit.

Entries are open for the 24th edition of the race and will take place on Sunday, 11 January 2026, proudly hosted by Bedfordview Athletics at the Bedfordview Country Club.

Biogen Marketing Manager Brandon Fairweather said, ‘Biogen is proud to continue supporting an event that perfectly aligns with our mission to promote active living and performance. The energy, determination, and sense of achievement seen every year at this race are what we stand for — fuelling potential and inspiring healthier lifestyles.’

Head of Momentum Multiply, Maria Carpenter commented, ‘Momentum Multiply believes in health ownership and in partnering with South Africans to make healthier choices and reclaim their health. This event is a great way to do exactly that. We’re proud to be part of an experience that not only motivates individuals but also uplifts communities through its charitable initiatives.’

SmectaGO continues to support the 5km Fun Run. SmectaGO sachets are a ready to use medication for on-the-go relief from diarrhoea. For prescribing information click here.

The Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply (21.1km) offers 6,000 entries, each including a race T-shirt, medal, and goodie bag. The SmectaGO 5km Fun Run presented by Momentum Multiply returns with 1,000 entries, ensuring a fun, family-friendly option for all fitness levels. Each entry includes a race medal, and goodie bag.

– Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
– Start Location: Riley Road, Bedfordview
– Start Times:
– 21.1km — 06:00
– 5km — 06:30
– Entries Close: 15 December 2025, or once sold out

Entry Fees:

– 21.1km Standard: R265.00
– Grandmaster/Junior: R235.00
– Great Grandmaster: R130.00
– 5km Fun Run: R120.00
(All prices exclude online transaction fees.)

In addition to celebrating fitness, the event raises much-needed funds for Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation. Every runner has the opportunity to make a difference — with the Dis-Chem Foundation matching all donations made during registration.

Race Director, Charnia Yapp said, ‘The Biogen Half Marathon has become a cornerstone of Gauteng’s running calendar, and 2026 will be no exception. We’re excited to once again welcome runners of all levels to Bedfordview for a race that blends community and running. This event sets the tone for an active year ahead.’

Entries are now open, but limited! Click here to secure your spot and be part of Gauteng’s ultimate running experience.

Bedfordview Country Club – Athletics
Race contact: WhatsApp 083 287 6792
[email protected]
www.biogen21.co.za

All Systems Go for the Thembisa Mile

The Thembisa Mile and 10km presented Lenmed Zamokuhle Private Hospital incorporating the Central Gauteng Athletics 10km championships will takes place on Sunday, 26 October 2025. The race which comprises a street Mile (1609m) and a 10km mass participation event, will as it did last year, start and finish at the Olifantsfontein Sports Ground in Olifantsfontein. 
 
Four thousand running enthusiasts are expected to take part in the race with pre – entries being available online at www.thembisamile.co.za or www.peaktiming.co.za and will close at midnight on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 or when the maximum race capacity has been reached. The race is open to a total of 4000 participants, with 3450 entries available for the 10km road race and 550 for the 1 Mile Road Race. 
 
The registration fee for the 10km is R150 for ASA licensed athletes, while unlicensed athletes will pay an additional R60 for a temporary license. The registration fee for the 1 Mile Race is R50 for the ASA licensed athletes, with unlicensed athletes paying an additional R30 for a temporary license. These registration fees exclude the online service fee administered by the service provider. Participation in the Elite Mile is by Invitation only. 
 
Participants will be able to collect their race numbers at the race EXPO which will be held from 23 to 26 October at the race venue. No late entries on the day of the race.
 
For the elite athletes, the race offers a total prize purse of R114 000 (hundred and fourteen thousand Rand). The men’s and women’s 10km winners will take home R10 000 each, while the invitational Mile winners will each earn R4000. SPAR Vouchers will be given to the top three boys and girls in the U10, U13 and U15 age group categories for the 1 Mile Race. 
 
All registered finishers will receive bronze medals, while category winners will earn gold medals.
 
SPAR Goodiebags will be given to the first 3000 (three thousand) pre – entries.
 
Discovery Vitality members can earn 600 Vitality fitness points for completing the 10km.  
 
Customized race numbers are available to those who register on or before Sunday, 19 October 2025.
 
There will be three refreshment points along the 10km route  (at the 2.5km ,5km and 7.5km) and one at the finish to cater for both the 10km and 1 Mile athletes. 
 
The scenic 10km  route will take runners through the industrial precinct of Olifantsfontein to Hospital View and back to the finish at the Olifantsfontein Sports Ground, while the new street Mile route is a loop around the Olifantsfontein Sports Ground. 
 
The race is made possible by the following sponsors and partners; Lenmed Zamokuhle Private Hospital, SPAR North Rand, Switch Energy , City of Ekurhuleni Sports and Recreation Division, The Thembisan, Lesso Estate , Central Gauteng Athletics and the Thembisa Athletics Club.

Photo by Tumi Kekana