A record turnout of athletes and wellness enthusiasts is expected on Saturday for this year’s edition of the Standard Bank Be More Race which at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The bank’s head of brand and marketing Tamanda Ng’ombe said this year’s race, which will be held under the theme ‘Keep growing’, has been oversubscribed with over 4 000 runners registered.
The 21 kilometre (km) section has attracted 520 runners while the 10km section has 1 268 contestants. 1 850 individuals will race in 5km event and 440 in children’s section.
“Be More Race now enters its eighth season since 2017. This year marks the highest entry level in the race’s history which underscores our exponential growth as a race,” she said.
highest entry level. | Nation
Ng’ombe said patrons should look forward to an exciting race day spiced by music performances by popular Malawian urban artists, family entertainment, an SME market, a vehicle and asset facility showcase, food and rehydration stalls and more besides.
She said they have partnered with Athletics Malawi and other key technical stakeholders in setting the stage for patrons to experience world-class athletics standards in keeping with technological upgrades of international athletics.
Ng’ombe said: “The use of race tracking technologies, introduced last year, will enhance competition integrity and put the race at the same level with all international marathons.
“This provides efficiency, accuracy and fairness in determining winners and ensures that both professional and non-professional athletes enjoy the same standard in terms of race timing, and tracking.”
Athletics Malawi has said the race’s oversubscription underscores its growth in stature.
Said Athletics Malawi president Kondwani Chamwala: “The Be More Race continues to show how running can bring people together. Beyond competition, it encourages healthy lifestyles, determination and community spirit.
“Athletics Malawi looks forward to seeing thousands of participants on Saturday [tomorrow] and wishes all runners the very best.”
Meanwhile, various running groups say they are geared to challenge established professional athletes for the big prizes after spending months preparing for this year’s race.
“Our team of 20 participants from Blantyre Joggers Club [BJC] is ready for the challenge. We have been in intense preparations ahead of the race including a recent Family Fun Run at Kamuzu Stadium,” said BJC vice-president Limbani Nsapato.
A total of K15.9 million will be won in the ultimate 21-kilometre (km) half-marathon, split into male and female athlete categories.
The winner in each category will receive K2.5 million.
Funds raised from participation fees go towards charity, with Standard Bank plc matching the total amount each year to support a selected CSR initiative.
This year, the combined funds will be directed towards equipping a sporting facility for a local school to help create better opportunities for young athletes and promote active lifestyles.
