The energy and enthusiasm out on the road for the 2023 Dis-Chem Half Marathon and Centrum 5km Fun Run was electric.

This was one of the first sold-out races in over three years, and hosts Bedfordview Country Club Athletics hope that this heralds the start of ‘normality’ returning to the much-loved sport of running.

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A firm favourite

This race has become a firm favourite on the Gauteng running calendar and one which typically kick-starts the running year for many.

The winning male and female runners respectively were Desmond Mokgobu, who finished with a time of 01:06:43, and Blandina Makatisi from Lesotho, who finished with a time of 01:19:54.

The organisers congratulated the overall and respective age category winners, and paid out R52,600 in prize money on the day.

This was the 21st edition of the event with Dis-Chem as the title sponsor – their invaluable sponsorship contribution once again adding enormous value.

The organisers thanked Centrum for sponsoring the 5km Fun Run in addition to all other co-sponsoring brands – Centrum, Essentiale, Norflex Gel, Smecta, TransAct, Biogen and Enterogermina – that contributed in many notable ways by providing samples, products for consumption on the day and various utility items included in the high-value event goodie bags.

The race committee extends their gratitude to everyone who helped make the day possible, from the registration crews to the marshals on 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.

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Run for a cause

A total of R63,460 was raised for the event charities. “The generous donations by participants to our chosen charities continue to astound us.

With the Dis-Chem Foundation having pledged to match the total amounts donated we were able to hand over R35,220 and R28,240 to the Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation respectively,” said race director Charn Swart of Bedfordview Country Club Athletics.

Runners and supporters can view race results here and see photos here.

Photo credit: www.actionphotosa.com