Foreword
Message from the Race Director
Dear Runners
We are delighted to host the 21st edition of the Dis-Chem Half Marathon on Sunday , 15 January 2023 , and to bring back the 5km Centrum Fun Run . The race is somewhat of an institution in Gauteng and marks the season start for many runners . We are making every effort to ensure you have a memorable day ; thank you for your support !
Message from Title Sponsor , Dis-Chem
The 2023 Dis-Chem Half Marathon is a significant milestone as it marks twenty-one years since Dis-Chem first supported this iconic road running event as the title sponsor .
We are truly proud to continue our association with this race and applaud the passion , commitment and tireless work of the organising club , Bedfordview Country Club – Athletics ( BCC ), which has ensured that the race has remained a highlight on the Gauteng road running calendar .
After Covid-19 regulations limited attendance at events like this one , we are delighted to welcome back a full field in 2023 , along with the ever-popular Centrum 5km Fun Run , which is an ideal distance to get the whole family active and share in the race day excitement , no matter your fitness level .
The traditional half-marathon route remains a stern early-season tester for serious athletes while offering a rewarding experience with spectacular views and amazing runner support along the route . We remain especially appreciative of the continued loyal support from our many customers who have participated in our events over the years .
We also extend a special thank you to the numerous Dis-Chem vendors who have co-sponsored this event with us . We greatly appreciate your kind support and your valuable contributions .
Dis-Chem has been more than a title sponsor , they are a true partner to Bedfordview Country Club Athletics , and without them , this premier race would not occur . Thank you , Stan Goetsch and Dis-Chem Pharmacies , for the twenty-one memorable years ! A sincere thank you to all the cosponsors and vendors for your continued support and contribution to the event .
We expect a capacity field of 6,500 runners to tackle the challenging twenty-one-kilometre route through Bedfordview , Morninghill and Primrose suburbs . The 5km fun run could have as many as 1,300 participants of all ages that will hopefully continue running short distances and perhaps move on to longer distances .
Race week has arrived , and we are excited to see the months of planning and hard work come together on Sunday ! We look forward to seeing all the athletes on the start line . Have fun , stay hydrated and keep on running !
Regards ,
Charn Swart
Race Director
And thank you to all the runners and community who come out year after year to participate and support , making every race a memorable occasion . Since Dis-Chem first sponsored this event , participant numbers have increased by over 60 %, with entries having sold out yearly - a testament to the event ’ s popularity .
The training for and participation in this event aligns with our philosophy of caring for our customers and communities by promoting health and fitness . Our efforts in this regard extend beyond the dispensary counter , as evidenced by our 430 in-store clinics across our network of stores and the extensive range of health and nutritional supplements which support your lifestyle and fuel your passion for the sport . Dis-Chem and Biogen remain committed to supporting sports and athletes across the spectrum through our continued sponsorship of events such as this and others like the upcoming Dis-Chem Ride for Sight .
We look forward to hosting another full field on Sunday , 15th January and hope you enjoy another memorable experience while achieving your race-day ambitions . We encourage all participants to ‘ Run Clean ’ and leave only their footprints on the route for the benefit of our environment and to show respect for the communities through which we run .
Rock the race and have fun !
Stan Goetsch
Executive Director - Dis-Chem Pharmacies
7