K1m for Mzuzu City Half Marathon champ

The winner of the newly-introduced Mzuzu City Half Marathon will receive K1 million.

Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS), Mzuzu City Council and Moyale Barracks on Friday announced the introduction of the 21-kilometre race at a press briefing held at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu.

The budget for the competition is pegged at K30 million, according to Sports Council.

The runner-up will get K700 000 while the third-placed will get K500 000.

Speaking at the briefing, MNCS board member Hellene Mpinganjira Tasosa said the marathon will not only create awareness on health living and well-being, but also create an opportunity for athletes to improve on  their performance in readiness for international competitions.

“We have fought hard to have Mzuzu taken on board to host this race. The race is open to everyone and we expect good response from Mzuzu residents,” she said.

Sports Council acting executive secretary Shepherd Boma called for public sector involvement in sports events while creating business platforms for their investments.

“Sports have been bringing people together, let me appeal to all the stakeholders in sports development to join hands and ensure a successful hosting of the Mzuzu City Half Marathon,” he said.

In his remarks, Moyale Barracks’ Lieutenant Godfrey Guwa said the Malawi Defence Force will bring both, soldiers and civilians sponsored athletes to ensure maximum competitiveness of the marathon.

On his part, the race’s organising  committee chairperson Peter Mumba said Mzuzu City has always been ready to host such events.

“Let us give the marathon all the support it requires and show that we are equally ready to host whatever high profile event that may come,” he said.

Through such marathons, the country has produced reputable athletes like Asimenye Simwaka, who last year represented the country at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in United Kingdom.