Mwanyali, Mbemba win Mzuzu City Half Marathon
Athlete Chikondi Mwanyali of Civil Service Athletics Club in Lilongwe yesterday retained the Mzuzu City 21-kilometre Half Marathon in men’s category.
On the other hand, Fostina Mbemba of Moyale Barracks in Mzuzu, came tops in women’s category.
Mwanyali finished the race in a record one hour six minutes 47 seconds, beating his previous record of one hour eight minutes and four seconds while Mbemba crossed the finish line in one hour 25 minutes 42 seconds.
Chancy Master of Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe, was the runner-up just like in last year’s edition. He finished the distance in one hour, seven minutes 14 seconds.
Grevazio Mpani of Civil Service Athletics Club was third after clocking one hour eight minutes and 22 seconds.
In the ladies’ category, Tereza Master of Mulanje Athletics Club, was the runner-up after finishing the distance in one hour, 26 minutes, 34 seconds.
Nalicy Chirwa from Mzuzu Forever Athletics Club, who was the winner last year, dropped to third after finishing in one hour, 26 minutes, 58 seconds.
The winners received K1.5 million each, runners-up got K1 million each while the third-placed walked away with K500 000.
Mwanyali and Chancy got an additional K500 000 each for breaking records.
In a post-marathon interview, Mwanyali said he was excited to retain the honours.
He said: “I am filled with excitement. To retain the honours by breaking the record makes it even special.
“I trained very hard because I knew it wouldn’t be easy to win again and it has paid off.”
Mwanyali thanked the organisers of the event Malawi National Council of Sports and its partners for organizing what he described as “a wonderful event”.
On her part, Mbemba was also over the moon, saying: “I am so excited because I was up against seasoned athletes, but self-belief and determination inspired me to win.”
The top three also received hampers from Lilongwe Diary Limited.
In relay race, Alick Phiri of Forever Athletics Club came tops followed by Holyness Nhlane of Kamuzu Barracks while Eneless Makawa of Chiumia Boot Camp, finished third.
Guest of honour and Malawi National Council of Sports vice-board chairperson Charles Ulaya Banda they will continue organizing the event.
He said: “I would like to commend the main organising committee for their excellent planning and execution of this event.
“I would also like to express gratitude to Moyale Barracks and Mzuzu City Council for partnering with us once again this year. We do not take your partnership for granted.”
Ulaya Banda also thanked Lilongwe Dairy, the Medical Aid Society of Malawi, Rab Processors, IB and IB consultants and Itel Malawi for co-sponsoring this event.
“To ensure the growth of this event, we need your support as Sports Council cannot do it alone. We hope that this is just the beginning of our partnership,” he said.—Nation
