Athletics Malawi (AM), formerly Athletics Association of Malawi, has disclosed plans to introduce beach races in the country.
The development comes after two local athletes, Chikondi Mwanyali and Nalicy Chirwa, competed at the African Beach Championship in Tunisia last month.
AM General Secretary Frank Chitembeya said they need to follow modern trends, hence considering the introduction of beach events.
“We have sampled beach athletics through the two athletes who went to Tunisia. It is time we introduced the race in Malawi. We can have a lot of athletes across Lake Malawi,” he said.
Both Chirwa and Mwanyali encouraged AM to introduce beach events.
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“I know people along the lake can easily make good runners. If our mother body decides to introduce beach races, I can consider combining. Besides that, Malawi can produce athletes that can win medals during major events. Look at the Beach Soccer National Team which is doing well,” Chirwa said.
Her compatriot Mwanyali said the country has natural-born runners who can excel in beach competitions.
“Those that are used to walking around the beach can make good runners,” he said.
During their 10km African Beach Championship debut, Mwanyali finished eighth out of 20 competitors. He finished the distance in 31:12.
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On her part, Chirwa clocked 38:23 to finish on position 10 out of 20 athletes.
