* To be held under the theme; ‘Keep Growing’, which speaks to the need of the Standard Bank’s flagship charity race’s growth since 2017 and the commitment of Malawians towards growth and resilience
By Duncan Mlanjira
The 2026 edition of the Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 is all set for Saturday, June 20, whose registration has been sold out.
To start off from and finish at the traditional venue, Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, the Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 is being celebrated under the theme; ‘Keep Growing’, which speaks to the need of the flagship charity race’s growth since 2017 and the commitment of Malawians towards growth and resilience.
The routes for the half marathon (21km), 10km and 5km have been highlighted on Standard-Bank-official-facebook-page for participants to get familiar while race kits can be collected at Bingu National Stadium from Tuesday to Friday (June 16-19).
In taking cognizance that “growth is always better together”, the Be More Race has attracted partners, that include Mwaiwathu Hospital to provide first aid response since “every runner deserves immediate care when it matters most”.
Coca-Cola is the official beverage sponsor to keep runners hydrated on the journey with Quench water GardaWorld Security will help create a secure experience for every runner, supporter, and spectator on the race day.
At the launch of the 2026 edition on Labour Day, May 1, in Lilongwe, Standard Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Kondwani Mlilima enlightened that the theme; ‘Keep Growing’, “speaks to an idea we all understand — that growth is not always easy, but it is always worth it”.
“Whether in life, business, or on the race course, growth requires determination, consistency, and the courage to push through discomfort. Running is a powerful metaphor for this journey — every step forward counts.
“We intend to keep improving the experience of the Standard Bank Be More Race. This year we continue using the electronic tracking system to ensure that there is accurate tracking of race times and amplify the experience of the race afterwards with the fitness marketplace.
“All of this to ensure that the Standard Ban Be More Race is a premium experience for all runners and ages,” Mlilima said, who added that the event’s 2026 edition builds on the success of previous years, with a renewed focus on inclusivity, wellness, and community engagement.
The flagship 21km Race 2025 champion won by Civo-Athletics-Club’s-Chikondi-Mwanyali-who-retained-the-title-for-the-3rd-consecutive-time — finishing ahead of Kefasi Kasteni as runner-up and Thomas Chunga in third position.
He finished in a time of 1:06:25hrs, failing to beat 2024’s time of 1:06:00 and his own record he attained in 2023 edition of 1:05:45 while second place had identified a new title holder, Kefasi Kasteni in a time of 1:06:30.
The women’s category identified a new champion, Fostina Mbemba, who finished in 1:21:35 beating Teleza Master from the title, who came second while Enifa Kaponda retained the 3rd place in a time of 1:23:08 — and becoming her personal best as she finished 1:31:34 in 2024 edition.
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