The 20th Dis-Chem Half Marathon will take place on 16 January 2022.
The event will have a slightly different complexion compared to previous races to comply with Covid safety regulations and protocols. These changes include:
- Limited entries.
- No 5km fun run.
- Mat to mat timing (not gun to mat)
- A rolling batched start within a 30-minute window.
- No spectators
- Screening and temperature taken at collection venues and on race day.
- Athletes will not receive medals and will need to depart the finish venue as soon as they complete their run.
- No club gazebos are allowed.
- No catering or shower facilities at the finish.
Get vaccinated
Race Director, Charn Swart of Bedfordview Country Club – Athletics, encourages athletes to get fully vaccinated prior to entering.
Fully vaccinated runners can collect their race numbers and T-shirts on any collection day. They will need to produce their vaccination certificate (not SMS) and ID.
Partially vaccinated runners can only collect their race numbers and T-shirts on Saturday 15 January – the day before the actual race. They will need to provide a valid negative Covid PCR test not older than 48 hours, or alternatively undergo an on-site Rapid Antigen test at their own expense at collection.
Anticipation growing
“We are excited at the prospect of a live race once again. Who knows, but perhaps the return to racing will see the course record broken,” said Swart.
“With the health and welfare of runners and their families at stake, along with the significant amount of event preparation which had taken place, we regretted having to cancel this year’s Dis-Chem Half Marathon,” commented Stan Goetsch, Director at headline sponsor Dis-Chem.
“While it is difficult to plan with certainty in these uniquely challenging times, Bedfordview Country Club Athletics and Dis-Chem are looking forward to once again witnessing the joy, the spirit and the excitement of the challenge of a live road running event at the traditional ‘season opener’.”
Sponsorship support
This is the 20th year that Dis-Chem has supported the event as the title sponsor. Event co-sponsors: includeCentrum, Norflex Gel, smecta, TransAct, ViralChoice and Biogen.
Race organisers thank all sponsors for their continued support and affirm that their contributions are critical to ensuring Dis-Chem’s continued hosting of the event.
Same iconic course
The course remains the same, winding its way through Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose – providing runners with a challenging route and spectacular views, particularly as the road crests and dives down Primrose Hill.
Race marshals will be stationed along the route offering spirited encouragement to the runners. There will only be 4 water points and runners are encouraged to bring their own water.
The race has previously sold out within a couple of weeks of entries opening. Due to Covid regulations, only 3000 entries are available for the 21km race. A further 1000 Virtual entries will be available for runners who cannot get a live race entry.
The Virtual run will be untimed and unsupported. Entrants can run from 17-23 January 2022. All 4000 entrants will receive a Dry-fit T-shirt. The Centrum 5km dash will not take place in 2022 due to the entry limitations.
Charity support
Funds will be raised for the two race charities: Lambano Sanctuary for orphaned children with HIV and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation, which provides sterilisation, vaccination and treatment of animals in informal settlements.
Once again, runners’ donations over and above their entry fee will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.
Entry fees
- 21km race entry is R300
- Virtual race entry is R200
Enter online at dischem21.co.za
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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