The Dis-Chem Half Marathon has relaunched to become the Biogen Half Marathon presented by Momentum Multiply for 2025.
After 22 years, Dis-Chem announced that its leading sports and wellness brand, Biogen, was appointed the title sponsor in 2025 for the Half Marathon and 5km Dash, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for their second consecutive year.
Bedfordview Country Club Athletics will host the 23rd edition on January 12, 2025.
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Runners can look forward to the same high-quality event, with a challenging route winding through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose.
The route will offer spectacular views and the perfect kickstart to the running calendar in the new year.
“We are proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event,” said Rui Morais, the CEO of 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 sports, 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, the 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 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 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, the head of Multiply, part of Momentum Health Solutions.
Momentum Health Solutions also avidly supports multiple sports disciplines across SA, with sound investments in cricket, cycling and running, to name a few.
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Biogen brand manager Brandon Fairweather said, “Biogen has worked with Momentum Health Solutions on multiple national events, and it’s a seamless, natural fit with both brands is focused on the enhancement of health and fitness.
“We’re excited about this opportunity and grateful that Dis-Chem entrusted us with their flagship event. We look forward to building on what is already known to be a world-class run,” he added.
The Half Marathon will have a seeded start and be timed as usual.
The race will start on Riley Road in Bedfordview at 06:00 on Sunday, and the 5km Dash will also be timed, starting 30 minutes later at 06:30 on the same day.
The race is known to sell out within a few weeks of entries opening. There are 6 000 entries available for the 21km race, and all entrants will receive a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag.
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Entries are open online and close on December 15 or once they sell out.
The funds raised will go to two race charities: the Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which sterilises, vaccinates and treats animals in informal settlements on the East Rand.
The Dis-Chem Foundation will match the donations by runners over and above their entry fee.
