30 days to go towards the much-anticipated Mount Mulanje Porters Race 2026

* As over 80 local enthusiasts register while internationals have also shown interest to participate

* To be held on July 11 under the theme; ‘Mountains & Forests: Guardians of Our Water’ that highlights importance of protecting natural forests and mountain ecosystems

* Registration still open at MK7,000 for porters; MK10,000 for non-porters; MK12,000 for individual fun-runners and MK100,000 for corporate/group fun run

By Duncan Mlanjira

Today, June 11, marks 30 days before the much-anticipated Mount Mulanje Porters Race 2026 on July 11, which has registered over 80 local participants, including women category defending champion Doris Fisher.

The Race’s communications officer, Jimmy Maloya, also indicated that many internationals having also shown interest to participate for the annual event, which — apart from promoting Mulanje District as a tourism destination, supporting and recognising the work of mountain porters as tour guides; it also promotes extreme sports in Malawi.

Over the years it has identified and developed athletes to represent Malawi internationally, that include Fisher, who finished in 2:41hrs for their ladies title while the men’s category was taken by Anthony Matiyasi 2:03hrs.

Last year, the Race attracted 270 participants including porters, professional athletes, and fun-run participants and for this edition the organisers are target 400 as Maloya indicates that they are in talks with Malawi Defence Force (MDF) baracks athletics clubs to take part.

When announcing launch of the registration-for-the-2026-edition-on-March-30, Maloya indicated that they were working towards a budget of MK80 million, and now reports that so far they have raised K30 million — through various support including sponsorship partnership with Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT), Rab Processors, among others.

He added that they are still courting other partnerships with corporate companies, and other stakeholders to support this special and unique sporting event through sponsorship or partnership.

Maloya reiterates that sponsors will benefit from brand visibility during the event, media coverage (radio, social media, and print platforms), promotion to both local and international audiences; and recognition as partners in environmental conservation and sports development.

Corporates and stakeholders needing more information on how they can partner with the event sponsorship or registrations, are being encouraged to contact Mount Mulanje Porters Race Organising Committee through phone (+265 996 508 749/+265 884 440 582 and/or through email: portersrace@gmail.com.

To be held at traditional venue Likhubula Valley, the registration is still open at MK7,000 for porters; MK10,000 for non-porters; MK12,000 for individual fun-runners and MK100,000 for corporate/group fun run.

Another objective of the Mount Mulanje Porters Race includes raising awareness about environmental protection — thus the theme for the 2026 edition is; ‘Mountains & Forests: Guardians of Our Water’ — which is highlighting importance of protecting natural forests and mountain ecosystems, which are key sources of clean water for surrounding Mount Mulanje communities.