The Biogen Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run presented by Momentum Multiply was another sold-out affair, with over 7,000 runners (6,000 half marathon and 1,000 5km participants) taking to the streets of Bedfordview on Sunday, 12 January 2025.
As always, a mix of excitement and trepidation filled the air as runners lined up in their seeded batches for the 6 am start to tackle the challenging but scenic route, which serves as a good test of early season form. The 5km Dash started 30 minutes later and was also a timed event.
Large elite field
Proudly hosted by Bedfordview Athletics Club, Gauteng’s premier half marathon attracted a large field of elite athletes, which meant some seriously fast times dominated the results.
Athletes from the mountain kingdom of Lesotho put their climbing prowess on display, with Namakoe Nkhasi from Nedbank Running Club Lesotho securing first place in the highly competitive men’s race with a blistering time of 1:05:56.
His compatriot Jobo Khataone, running in the colours of Maxed Elite International, finished second in 1:06:01. South African Matlakala Seloyi from Waterfall Athletics Club rounded out the podium, crossing the finish line in 1:06:04.
The results in the women’s race reflected those in the men’s, with Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala earning the win for Hollywood Bets Athletics Club in 1:17:10.
Nthabiseng Letokoto finished second, with the Maxed Elite Lesotho athlete finishing in 1:19:51. Local Nedbank Running Club athlete Shanice Peens finished third in 1:27:15.
The overall and respective age category winners shared R29,100 in prize money, with the overall winners each taking home R8,500 for their efforts.
In total, 167 athletes broke the magical 90-minute mark, underlying the depth of the field on what is one of the more challenging half-marathon routes in South Africa.
Unwavering sponsorship support
This was the first time the event was hosted with Biogen as the title sponsor. After 22 years, Dis-Chem proudly passed the naming rights to its leading sports and wellness brand, with presenting sponsor Momentum Multiply joining for a second year.
Race Director, Charnia Yapp, stated: “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 and co-sponsors, which include Norflex Gel, SmectaGo, TransAct, Old Spice, Essentiale Extreme, Dove, and Gillette, bring incredible value to the runners. We would also like to thank them all for their continued support.”
“We want to thank every participant and co-sponsor that came out for a stunning day out and a wonderfully organised event in the community,” says Brandon Fairweather; Health Category Marketing Manager for Dis-Chem Pharmacies.
Running for good
The race continues to support the Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which undertakes the sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements on the East Rand.
The organisers thanked the runners for their donations and the Dis-Chem Foundation who matched these donations, with all proceeds raised going to these nominated charities.
The race committee extends their gratitude to everyone who helped make the day possible, from the field set-up team and registration crews to the marshals on the route, the event suppliers and the residents of Bedfordview and Primrose for their patience and tolerance of the disruptions endured during the course of the event.
Timing was provided by Peak Timing with photography by Action Photo. For full race results, visit UltimateLive. Race photos are available for purchase from Action Photo.
