Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 55, February 2014 | Page 36

Race Report

Dis-Chem Delivers!
Dis-Chem Half Marathon, Central Gauteng, 12 January

– BY LAUREN VAN DER VYVER

W

ith it’s scenic route through the hilly suburbs of
Bedfordview, the Dis-Chem Half Marathon has become
a traditional season-opener for many Johannesburg
runners, offering a great kick start and early fitness test
for the running year. An overcast day treated runners
to a cool start at the Bedfordview Virgin Active before
the morning heated up as defending champion Elroy
Gelant of Pukke pushed hard to hold onto his title with
a 1:07:32 win. Maxed Elite’s Desmond Mokgobu claimed
the runner’s up place just seconds later in 1:07:34.
Wirimai Juwawo took the last podium spot in the men’s
field in 1:07:40. “It was a tough course and a bit hilly
but I prepared well for Dis-Chem,” said Elroy. “It’s a
great race to see where your fitness stands. And it was
an amazing endurance run for my short indoor track
training.”
In the women’s race, Rene Kalmer was sporting her new
adidas kit and held onto a healthy early lead to take
line honours in 1:18:26, followed by former Nedbank
teammate Rutendo Nyahora in 1:20:14. The in-form
Yolande Maclean took third in 1:21:20. “We tend to
forget how difficult the first 10km of Dis-Chem really is!”
said Rene. “I wanted to start 2014 with a bang and I’m
really happy with this win. I knew I could start off well
in January.”
The accompanying Rehidrat 5km Dash is one of the few
official 5km road races in SA (instead of being just a

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ISSUE 55 FEBRUARY 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za

fun run) and attracted 1500 entrants, with Transnet’s
Lebogang Masilo proving victorious in the men’s race
in 14:53, with Maxed Elite’s Diana Lebo Phalula taking
the women’s title in 16:55, almost two minutes ahead
of her nearest challenger.

WHAT THEY SAID
Facebook and Twitter was alive with
praise following the Dis-Chem Half
Marathon.

Another highlight of the event was the generous
way the runners gave back by supporting the race’s
official charities. A sum of R49 440 was raised for
the Lambano Sanctuary, a home for children who
have been abandoned or orphaned, especially those
affected by HIV/Aids, while R30 060 went to the
Namaqua Dog & Donkey Foundation, which works to
improve the quality of life of disadvantaged domestic
animals by providing primary health care for them.

Mosibodi Whitehead: “Great run!
Fantastically well-organised race. But still more
work to be done on my fitness. Suffered a bit
in the last 5km.”
Bontle Rapodile (@Ntirap3h): “Forgot how
difficult the course is. Enjoyed every kilometre,
including those wonderful Primrose Hills.”

To check your race results, please
visit www.championchip.co.za.

Matthew Low: “Was fairly heavy, especially at
the climb on 18km, but that downhill was sheer
bliss! Finished in 1:36:26. Not my quickest half,
but given the profile, I was stoked.”
S’thabza (@18tattooz): “Dischem half
marathon is the best, well organised,
professional and deserves a Premium Race
status.”