Lace up for a bigger and better race
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.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2017/02/marathon-runners-Large.jpg)
It’s time to get your running shoes on and to clear your diary in preparation for the annual Birchwood Cross the Line Half Marathon.
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.
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.
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 close on February 27, with no entries sold on the day.
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