Chikondi Mwanyali cemented his pedigree as an up-and-coming athlete by defending the Be More Race sponsored by Standard Bank Malawi plc on Saturday in Lilongwe.
The 23-year-old clocked 1:04:53:54 hours (hrs) in the 21-kilometre race to beat seasoned athletes Mphatso Nadolo who finished second in 1:06:34.21 hr, Chancy Master was the bronze medal winner in 1:07:50.99 hr, Grevazio Mpani was fourth and Kefasi Kasten fifth.
In the women’s category, Tereza Master emerged the champion in 1:24:22.55hrs, Nalicy Chirwa won silver in 1:24.53.55 while Elifa Kapinda won bronze medal
In the women’s section Tereza Master won gold in 1:24:22.24 hr Nalicy Chirwa grabbed silver with a time of 1:24:53:55 and Enifa Kapinda won bronze in 1:31:34:62.
Mwanyali said he was excited to have won defended the title by beating seasoned athletes.
“I am very happy with this victory because it was tough. I thank my coach and training partners at Civo for making it possible for me to do it,” he said.
Master was also over the moon with the victory, saying it was evident that she is still a good.
“After finishing third at the Porters Race, last week, it did not expect that I will win this. However, hard work and determination paid. Nalicy Chirwa who was second is a good athlete and have been winning marathons both local and international,” she said.
Besides the 21 kilometre race, there were also 10km, 5km as well as fun run.
Previously, the events attracted Kenyan runners, but they did not participate this year.
Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi, who was the guest of honour applauded Standard Bank Malawi plc for using the event to raise money for children suffering from cancer.
“We thank Standard Bank Malawi for sponsoring this race for many years. We are proud as government that they will also use the event to raise funds for children suffering from cancer. We appeal to other companies to emulate Standard Bank in complementing government’s efforts in serving Malawians,” she said.
Standard Bank head of corporate and investment Frank Chantaya said they were satisfied with the turn-up.
He said: “Today we ran to give our cancer-suffering children hope, joy, and most importantly a chance to live their lives to the fullest. People braved the cold morning weather to join a noble undertaking. It was not for monetary reward nor personal glory, but for a hearty cause to give children with Cancer their best chance of survival and intellectual rehabilitation through the Learning Centre we will build at Kamuzu Central Hospital,” he said.
Athletics Association of Malawi president Kondwani Chamwala said the Be More Race has developed athletics in the country.
“Standard Bank have been our partner for seven years. We have seen locals breaking the dominance by Kenyans. We believe we will have a strong athletics team in the future because of the Be More Race,” he said.
The champions received K1.6 million, runners-up K1.2 million, third positioned K1.1 million.
