ADVERTORIAL
The Dis-Chem Half Marathon has been relaunched 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 with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for their second year running . The 5km Dash will be presented by Smecta .
The 23rd edition of the race is once again 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 . This route offers spectacular views , and the perfect kickstart to the running calendar in the New Year .
“ We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event ,” says Rui Morais , CEO Dis-Chem Pharmacies . “ The promotion of a healthy lifestyle , and our emphasis on overall wellbeing , 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 .”
Race Director Charnia Yapp says , “ 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 sponsor Momentum Multiply offers 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 ,” says Márcia Eugénio , Head of Multiply , which is part of Momentum Health Solutions . “ 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 ,’ ( Momentum Health Solutions is also an avid supporter of many other sport disciplines across South Africa , with sound investment in cricket , cycling and running , to name a few .)
Biogen Brand Manager , Brandon Fairweather shares the sentiment . “ Biogen has 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 . We ’ re excited for this opportunity and grateful that Dis- Chem has entrusted us with its flagship event , and we look forward to building on what is already known to be a world class run .”
Important Race Info
The Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply will have a seeded start and will be timed as per normal . The race starts in Riley Road in Bedfordview at 6am and the 5km Dash presented by Smecta will also be timed , starting 30 minutes later at 6:30am .
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 close on 15 December , or once the 6000 available entries are sold . There are 1000 entries available for the 5km Dash .
Funds will be raised by the event 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 . Thank you to the runners who have already contributed R20k so far when they entered online .
Club gazebos are welcome to be set up on a first come , first serve basis on Saturday 11 January after 12h00 , as no vehicles will be allowed onto the field on race day . Clubs will be allowed to cook with gas at their gazebo , but no open fires . There will be coffee , food and drinks on sale , and locker and shower facilities will be available at the finish .
ENTRIES ARE OPEN AT WWW . BIOGEN21 . CO . ZA . • More info : WhatsApp 083 287 6792 or info @ biogen21 . co . za . 13