500 register for Porters Race
by Mphatso Malidadi:
Seasoned runners Doris Fischer and Charles Musowa are likely to have a tough task of defending the women’s and men’s championship, respectively, for the 22-kilometre Mulanje Mountain Porters Race today.
In last year’s race, Musowa clocked two hours, eight minutes whereas Fischer completed the distance in two hours, 40 minutes.
Today, the athletes need an even better performance on the rough and tough terrain of the mountain if they are to defend their gold medals.
This is the case as the race has attracted many local and international athletes.
The extreme race has attracted 500 athletes, all gunning for the ultimate K500,000 prize money at stake for the winner of each category, thanks to TNM’s sponsorship.
The company’s Public Relations and Sponsorship Manager, Limbani Nsapato, said the registered athletes include professionals and amateurs.
“TNM is set to make this year’s Porters Race more memorable and exciting. We, as the main sponsor, together with the organisers are ready to put up the best events. Registration is underway and those willing to participate can still register before the start of the race at 6:00am,” he said.
Nsapato said activities such as open-air music shows, dubbed Island in the Sky Festival, will spice up the race.
Race Coordinator, Kondwani Chamwala, said they were looking forward to an exciting race.
“So far, so good. We are done with root clearing and performance stage is set. In short, we are geared up for the event,” Chamwala said, adding that they expect over 700 runners in the race.
The organisers have since introduced a shorter route of six kilometres meant for corporate and individuals.
The race takes runners to the summit of mountain, one of Southern Africa’s highest mountains at about 3000 metres above sea level.
The race has produced top athletes.
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