Birchwood half marathon bigger and better this year

This event will take place on Sunday, March 26.

Now in its seventh year, the race, which starts and ends on the 52 sprawling hectares of garden of the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, has grown to include a host of new sponsors, great deals on the day and even the chance to drive a new car for an entire year!

Aimed both at attracting dedicated athletes, and promoting exercise, combined with fun, for a healthy lifestyle among Gauteng’s families, the race has grown year on year.

This year 3 500 runners will be accommodated in the 21.1km and 10km races, and a further 500 runners/ walkers will take part in the 5km race.

In partnership with ChampionChip, Modern Athlete magazine, the City of Ekurhuleni, and Garbie, this year the finish of the race will be recorded using a chip secured to shoelaces, ensuring accurate results and digital monitoring.

Adding further excitement to the day, courtesy of No Finance Cars, all participants stand a chance to drive a brand-new Kia Picanto for a year, just by taking part!

Since the Birchwood Cross the Line Half Marathon’s inception in 2011, thousands of runners and families have participated, with many making it an annual family tradition. It promises a fun day out.

The first 1 500 early bird entrants to the race will receive a long sleeve moisture management T-shirt and medals will be awarded to all participants who successfully finish the race.

Start times are 6.30am for the 21.1km and 10km distances, and 7.30am for the 5km race.

This year Birchwood will also be using race funds to support the Ukhjede Foundation. This is a Birchwood initiative that has helped to build eight crèches in the informal settlements of Boksburg.

For those entering online, you have the option to donate to the Foundation or alternatively you can help by bringing non-perishable food items to help these children, or any other items that you feel will give back to the community.

There will be a donation box on stage.

Entries can be purchased online at www.birchwoodhalfmarathon.co.za or at Birchwood Hotel reception, or the Sweat Shops in Bedfordview and Dunkeld.

Entries cost R120 for the 21.1km, R90 for the 10km and R50 for the 5km. Temporary licence fees apply to runners not affiliated to a club, and are R25 for the 21.1km, R20 for the 10km and no fee for the 5km race.

Entries close on February 27, with no entries sold on the day.

The race includes a children’s play area, food and refreshments, a dedicated secure tog-bag area, a post-race massage zone, clean toilets and live music on the lawns of the hotel.

For further information contact Kate Wood on 082 903 9722/ kate@multiplicitysa.co.za or Carol Wallace on 082 886 2898/ carol@multiplicitysa.co.za