Civo Athletics Club star Chikondi Mwanyali lived up to his billing when he retained the men’s 21 (kilometre) km Mzuzu Half Marathon Sunday during an event that was full of twists and turns due to stiff competition.
However, it was a bad day for Nalicy Chirwa, who dropped to third in the women’s category.
The cloudy day provided perfect weather conditions as athletes attempted to prove who is the boss.
In the men’s section, Mwanyali posted 1:06:46 whereas Chancy Master, a soldier at Kamuzu Barracks, finished on second position after running the distance in 1:07:14.
Mwanyali’s teammate Grevazio Mpani ended on third position in 1:08:22.
Men’s champion Mwanyali, 21, attributed the feat to vigorous training, endurance and speed.
“I have gained a lot of experience through international trips, the recent one being when I travelled to Zambia. Last year, I failed to break the record due to poor preparations but I worked on them for me to shine this year. I will still work hard to reach international standards,” Mwanyali said.
In the ladies’ category, Fostina Mbemba of Moyale Barracks stunned Chirwa when she finished the race in 1:25:42.
Veteran Tereza Master of Mulanje Athletics Club settled for second position after running the distance in 1:26:34.
Chirwa, who won last year’s marathon, ended third in 1:26:58.
Ladies champion Mbemba, who finished on fourth position during last year’s edition, paid tribute to her coach for masterminding her progress.
“Gradually, I am getting where I want. I have been competing in various races but it was difficult to win. Now I can see light at the end of the tunnel because I have a coach who guides me,” Mbemba said.
Meanwhile, the event’s organising committee chairperson Peter Mumba has hinted at the possibility of hosting a full marathon in next year’s edition after successfully staging the annual event twice.
“The marathon was thrilling and the athletes were on top of their game. This has given us the hope that we can now host a full marathon,” Mumba said.
Meanwhile, Malawi National Council of Sports Vice Board Chairperson Charles Ulaya Banda has asked the corporate world to support government to ensure that sports development is fostered.
“We started like a joke last year, with 103 athletes taking part in the event, and now we have doubled the figure. The patronage was convincing but we still ask females to embrace the marathon. We have also seen sponsors coming forth in this edition and this is commendable,” Ulaya Banda said.
The marathon started from St John’s Hospital passing through Chimaliro, Zolozozolo, Chiputula to Mzuzu Stadium.
For the toil, Mwanyali will get K2 million, including K500,000 for setting a new record, while Master will, despite finishing second, receive K1.5 million, including K500,000 for breaking the record.
