Entries are open for the rebranded Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Dash presented by Momentum Multiply, taking place on 12 January, as the iconic Dis-Chem race relaunches with a new title sponsor for 2025.
After 22 years, Dis-Chem is proud to announce that its leading sports and wellness brand, Biogen, will take over the event naming rights as title sponsor of its iconic Half Marathon and 5km Dash races, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for a second year. The 23rd edition is once again proudly hosted by Bedfordview Country Club Athletics.
Runners can visit www.biogen21.co.za to enter or for more event info. There are 6000 entries available for the 21km race, with all entrants receiving a technical race T-shirt and goodie bag. There are 1000 entries available for the 5km Fun Run. Entries close on 15 December or once the available entries are sold.
Perfect early season tester
The Half Marathon will have a seeded start and will be timed as normal. The race starts on Riley Road in Bedfordview at 06:00 am on Sunday. The 5km Dash starts 30 minutes later at 06:30 am on the same day and will also be a timed event.
Runners can look forward to the same high-quality event, with exceptional value and the same challenging route that winds through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose.
The route offers spectacular views and serves as the perfect fitness tester to kickstart the 2025 running calendar in Gauteng.
Strong brand partnerships
‘We are extremely proud of our 22-year sponsorship of the event’ said Rui Morais, Dis-Chem Pharmacies CEO.
“The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and our emphasis on overall well-being 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, added: “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. 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,” explained Márcia Eugénio, Head of Multiply, which is part of Momentum Health Solutions.
Momentum Health Solutions is also an avid supporter of multiple sporting 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 focused on enhancing health and fitness.”
Fairweather added that Biogen is excited about this opportunity. “We are grateful that Dis-Chem has entrusted us with their flagship event, and we look forward to building on what is already known to be a world-class run.”
Fundraising support
The event will again raise funds for the two legacy race charities, namely the 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. The Dis-Chem Foundation will match all donations by runners, over and above their entry fee.
