By Pempho Nkhoma
The stage is set for the seventh edition of the Blantyre 42.195KM race scheduled for Saturday 1st November at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The 2025 Blantyre 42.195KM race under the theme embracing the challenge will bring together professional and amateur athletes from across the country to showcase their skills and have fun.
Chairperson for the organizing committee, David Pwetekani told Malawi News Agency MANA Thursday that over 100 runners have registered for the annual competition.
“This event is open to all people, professional athletes, and residents of Blantyre and surrounding areas and even across the country. This is an event for Malawi,” he said.
Pwetekani added that this years marathon will feature different categories including one for veterans who are registering for free, targeting those 60 years and above.
“We have the main category which is the 42.195km. We also have 10KM for those up for a decent challenge and 5KM for the fun runners which we are calling on families to even bring their kids to this category,” Pwetekani said.
He therefore called upon professional and amateur athletes to utilize the marathon, describing it as a platform for career growth and development.
“Firstly it’s an opportunity to showcase your skill if you are a professional athlete. For the community, this is good for your fitness and wellness. If we participate in this we keep fit but also get to enjoy community initiatives,” he added.
This year, the winner of the marathon will walk away with a prize money of K2 Million, second position will pocket K1.5 Million and third placed will take home K1.2 Million and prizes have been extended all the way to number 10 of the marathon.
Athletics Malawi Vice General Secretary, Charles Senti Banda commended Malawi National Council of Sports for the support and for handing over the competition to Athletics Malawi.
“Previously the marathon was organized by Malawi Council of Sports but this year they handed over to us. It is important to us to have this full marathon. It will help us scout athletes who can represent us at international level,” Banda said.
In the last years edition, South African based Mphatso Nadolo triumph in the mens 42.195 KM category while Nalicy Chirwa emerged victorious in the womens category for fifth time consecutively.
Other activities on the day will include free aerobics which will start at 5:30 AM and egg race.
