Malawi National Council of Sports has dropped registration fees for the 42.195-kilometre (km) Race and 10km athletes were required to pay to participate in the events slated for Saturday.
Sports Council, who are the organisers of the race, pegged registration at K20,000 for the marathon and K15,000 for the 10km.
But participants in 5km and aerobics will still pay K10,000 and K2,000 respectively.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Director of planning and infrastructure development Limbani Matola said the decision was made to help potential athletes that are struggling to raise the fees.
“As Sports Council, it is our mission to see mass participation in sporting activities. Some athletes and officials in the rural areas complained that were finding it difficult to the raise the fees,” he said.
But Matola said the waiver would not make the competition free-for-all because they will veto athletes basing on their physical and health conditions to compete.
However, he said they would not be affected in any way because of the support from corporate partners and 5km registration fees.
Athletics Malawi president
Kondwani Chamwala said the move would help to draw a large turn-out.
“We need increased participation, for the country to start marketing athletics properly. Increased participation is key and government has just assisted this pillar for a start,” he said.
South Africa-based athletics manager Gloria Chiteze commended Sports Council. “This is a very much appreciated gesture, even though on late notice . The refunds if pushed will come in handy for transportation needs.
“Please pass our gratitude. If possible also ask them nicely to do this kind gesture in time to avoid the inconveniences of refunds.
“Wishing every athlete great preparations, we have no reason to not participate now except for injuries, transportation and accommodation.”
Champions in both men’s and women’s categories will received K1.5 million, silver medallists K1 million and bronze winners K800,000.
