This year’s Mzuzu City Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday with about 133 competitors set to vie for ultimate glory.
The number is an increase from last year’s 102.
The marathon’s chairperson Peter Mumba said preparations are at an advanced stage but expressed concern over the low number of female athletes who have registered.
Mumba said as of Thursday, only 14 female athletes had registered.
“We are therefore appealing for more female athletes to come forward and join. We are ready with everything on the ground and all is set. We expect to start at 7am on Sunday. We are therefore assuring all stakeholders that this will be one of the best local marathons ever.
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“This is so because we have improved in areas where we did not do well last year. We are encouraging more athletes to come and join us if they want to be part of history. Female athletes are particularly being encouraged to register so that there is more competition just like in the male runners’ category,” he said.
Mumba said there will also be a relay race in which about 14 teams of four each have registered to make the number of the participants be at 56.
“After the marathon and relay race, there will be an aerobic session. This means there is a lot more for everyone. We are therefore calling upon more sponsors to come and support this great event,” he said.
Mzuzu City Director of Parks, Leisure and Environment Yotamu Mtafya welcomed the marathon.
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“This competition will help uplift our city’s profile. Our role as a council will be ensuring that there is order along the marathon’s route so that athletes are not disturbed in any way.
“The marathon will put us on the map as a sports loving city. We expect many people, including tourists, to join in the fun and enjoy themselves,” Mtafya said.
The 21-kilometre marathon is for local athletes.
The starting point of the competition is St. Johns through Mzuzu Technical College, Zolozolo CCAP, Bonex Bar, Mzuzu Airport, M1 Road, Shoprite Roundabout, Mpico House, Mataifa and Chimaliro Road, before hitting the finishing line at Mzuzu Stadium.
