The ninth edition of the Standard Bank Be More Race, the half marathon, will be held on July 17 in Lilongwe.
Phillip Madinga, Chief Executive Officer for Standard Bank, sponsors of the athletics event, said this on Thursday during the official re-launch at Bingu International Convention Centre under the theme “Run in Blue”.
He said the objective of sponsoring Be More Race is beyond athleticism.
“Our purpose is driving Malawi’s growth and the Be More Race exemplifies how unity, health and determination come together to drive real progress,” said Madinga.
He also announced that proceeds from registration fees from participants will be offered to Athletics Malawi to cater for training and buying equipments for athletics.
In her remarks, Standard Bank Head of Brand and Marketing Tamanda Ng’ombe said the event will be spiced up by the Be More Marketplace, a curated wellness space showcasing fitness communities and healthy living brands.
“Be More Race is a lifestyle. It is about creating lasting impact through community, wellness and inspiration,” she said.
Athletics Malawi President Kondwani Chamwala commended Standard Bank, saying the race provides a unique platform for elite athletes as well the society to take part in sporting.
He said: “We are excited to have a partner who will take athletics in Malawi to greater heights. This initiative is more than just running. We are creating a community and a culture that benefits both our bodies and society at large.
“I urge my fellow athletes, social runners and walkers to buy tickets in large numbers to participate so that this year’s race can make a real impact and promote health and athletics across Malawi.”
Participants will receive a customised Be More Race jersey and will have an option to compete in the 21km main race, 10km fun run, 5km family fun.
Underlining that the event is more than just sports, but a family outing, it will also feature entertainment in the form of musical performances and children’s play areas.
In both men’s and women’s 21km events winners will receive K1,650,000, runners-up K1,200,00, bronze medallist K1,000,000 and fourth-place will cart home K800,000.
