The Bestmed TuksRace has grown to become one of the leading annual events in Gauteng and the Tuks sporting diary. Each year, the race draws a combination of the finest of South Africa’s elite athletes, social runners and fun runners. With over 13 000 runners taking part in the 21km, 10km, 5km or 1km events, and not excluding the 10km wheelchair race. This year has been more competitive as the number of entrants has increased.

“At Bestmed, our goal is to encourage our members to pursue a healthier and active lifestyle. Our partnership with the University of Pretoria has provided a great opportunity to do so over the last six years of the partnership.”

The Bestmed TuksRace started at the High Performance Centre entrance and finished at the rugby field adjacent to the athletics stadium. To accommodate those that run for leisure, the 1km race was launched in 2016 to help raise cancer awareness. Once again this year’s proceeds will be donated to CANSA.

This year all participating UP Students stood a chance to win a R20 000 cash prize courtesy of Prof Cheryl de la Rey, UP vice chancellor and Principal. She hopes that the prize money will assist the winning student financially and contribute towards their academic career.

Bestmed has been the main sponsor and partner of the event for over six years, this partnership includes the sponsorship of the TuksAthletics stable, TuksAthletics, the First Aid and Sports Trauma unit at TuksSport, the Medical Science Unit at the High Performance Centre (HPC), and the University of Pretoria Football Club.

“We are grateful for Bestmed’s sponsorship towards this event, their continued support and involvement has significantly contributed to making it one of South Africa’s most prominent and sought after road-running events”, says Professor Gloudien Spies, chairperson of Tuks Marathon Clubs.