Little time left to enter Gauteng’s Premier Half Marathon

Running junkies wanting to take on the annual Dis-Chem Pharmacies Half-Marathon in January have little time left to enter online, organisers confirmed.

Entries opened on Wednesday 16 October and will close on Friday 6 December, and are limited to 6 000 on a first come, first served basis.

On Sunday 12 January Bedfordview Country Club will host the 13th edition of the race.

It is considered Gauteng’s Premier Half Marathon that traditionally heralds the start of the new year’s running activities for both seasoned runners and newcomers to the world of running. A hallmark of the event is its organisational efficiency and it is renowned for offering entrants unmatched value for money, including free branded merchandise and high-value goodie bags.

Organisers also confirmed that, “We will be using ChampionChip again to ensure the event is accurately timed and the results are available on-line for competitors. Dis-Chem and the Bedfordview Country Club Athletics organising committee continuously strive to ensure that the participant experience is as enjoyable as possible.

“With this goal in mind, Dis-Chem once again will offer participants the benefits of an easily accessible online entry procedure at www.championchip.co.za or www.dischem21.co.za.”

Entries cost R95 for a standard entry and R65 for grand masters while blind runners are free.

All entrants must register and collect their race packs and goodie bags before the event. Registration will be at Dis-Chem, Fourways Mall on the Thursday and at Dis-Chem, Park Meadows on the Friday before the event.

Final registration will take place at Virgin Active Fields, Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview on the Saturday before the event. Race numbers can be collected from the venue on race day (regret no T-shirts and goody bags on race day).

Runners who do not own a ChampionChip will have to purchase a chip at a once-off cost of R120. This year participants will have the option of hiring a single-use chip for the event at a cost of R45.

Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation will be the official race charities and will benefit from the Dis-Chem Foundation’s pledge to match all voluntary additional donations from participants over and above their entry fee for the 2014 event.

The funds raised from these special donations will be donated to the respective organisations to assist them in their humanitarian efforts.

The 2014 race will once again incorporate the Rehidrat Sport 5km DASH, one of only a few official 5km road races in the country.

This is also an ideal event for those who prefer to take things a bit easier and have a fun day out. Entries for this event are available online at www.championchip.co.za and www.dischem21.co.za as well as at the race venue on Saturday 11 January 2014 between 9am and 3pm and on the morning of the race from 5am. Entry fee is R40, which includes relevant temporary licence fees.

The first 1 500 finishers will receive a commemorative race medal.

For 5km event enquiries, phone 083 287 6792

Should you require a complimentary entry and VIP parking please contact Michelle Joseph on 082 560 2699 or email at michelle.joseph@vodamail.co.za.

For half marathon enquiries contact 083 287 6792 or e-mail info@dischem21.co.za.