Race returns to old stomping grounds

The popular race, which attracts thousands of road runners, is returning to its former home of the ’80s, Sahara Willowmoore Park.

Race organisers Benoni Harriers Athletics Club made the decision to take the marathon back to the cricket stadium as the current premises, at Old Bens Sports Club, are simply too small and congested for the hordes of runners who converge on Benoni for the race.

Club chairman Ashvin Jivan told the City Times that the race has outgrown Old Bens Sports Grounds and the move to another venue was to improve the parking facilities and traffic congestion before and after the race.

“We are extremely confident that it will work out well at Sahara Willowmoore Park,” said Jivan.

“We have done our homework in terms of the new routes, which will make use of intersections that are less busy and roads that are more runner-friendly.”

He added that Norrie Williamson, an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) technical official and experienced Comrades runner, has assisted with the route layout and with the approval of the route (to be approved by Central Gauteng Association), which will be slightly undulating, but mostly flat (a common characteristic of races in Benoni).

The layout of the new race routes (the 5km fun run, 10km, 21.1km half-marathon and 42.2km marathon) will be published soon.

Entries are open and can be done online at www.championchip.co.za (cut-off date January 25, 2016), or at various sports shops.

CLICK HERE for the entry form.

For more information contact the race office on 076 678 2140, or email to info@johnsoncranemarathon.co.za