The Balwin Sport Marathon Series, now Ampli5ed by 5FM, is in its second year of supporting road running and promoting a healthier lifestyle amongst South Africans, says 5FM.

The series includes the Jeppe Marathon in Gauteng on Sunday, 9 February, the Peninsula Marathon in Cape Town on Sunday, 16 February, the Pretoria Marathon on Sunday, 23 February and the Dolphin Coast Marathon in Ballito on Sunday, 16 March, says the radio station. 

5FM says that it will be broadcasting live from each event and Tshepang "Big Chief" Moji will also be stepping up, getting into running shape, documenting every part of his journey and participating in his first race ever.

Runners over any of the title event distances (5km, 10km, 21.1km, or 42.2km), as well as race marshals, can qualify to win a fully furnished Balwin apartment in The Reid Lifestyle Estate, Sandton, worth R1-million, when they visit one of the developer's show units after the races, adds the station. 

5FM says that participants can further boost their chances with multiple visits until the end of June 2025.

In addition, each runner who enters any of the sponsored races will receive up to R3 000 back in value with their race entry. This will entail a customised 12-week coaching programme for any of the sponsored race distances by coach Lindsay Parry and his team, courtesy of new partners Laundromax, says the radio station.

The first 2 000 entries at the Peninsula Marathon and the first 4 000 entries for each of the other marathon events will also receive a high-quality T-shirt. In addition, runners across any of the race-day distances will receive well-stocked goody bags, a commemorative medal and free access to digital photos by Action Photo SA, adds the station. 

5FM and Good Hope FM Business Manager, Masixole Mdingane, says, "It's 5FM's privilege to be the media partner to the Balwin Sport Marathon Series. 5FM has always been the home of pushing boundaries, changing people's lives for the better, bringing an epic vibe and giving away mind-blowing prizes. This opportunity to get Mzansi moving, fit, healthy, having fun and giving away a rad apartment 
worth a whopping R1-million is one that fits us like a tailored set of activewear. We look forward to working with the world-class team at Balwin and our other partners to deliver an event that is second to none — one that will grow year on year for many years to come."

Ryan Kalk, Joint Managing Director of the Balwin Foundation, says "The success of the inaugural Balwin Marathon Series last year exceeded our wildest expectations, with several new sponsors coming on board for 2025. This will allow us to stage an even bigger series this year, adding some tangible value to all participating athletes. In addition, we remain committed to investing more than R5-million per annum into South African road running annually, with these benefits flowing from club level into supporting underprivileged and development runners."

Kalk concludes, "Our key objective is for people to participate and get healthy. Participants who enter and complete any distance on the day of the race and follow this up with a visit to any of our show apartments at our developments countrywide will stand a chance to win a fully furnished apartment to the value of R1-million. The more developments they visit and the more races they do will increase their number of entries to the competition." 

For more information, visit www.5fm.co.za. You can also follow 5FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor