* Finishes in 1:05:45 against his runner-up time of 1:06:30 last year, which was won by Civo-Athletics-Club’s-Chikondi-Mwanyali-who-retained-the-title-for-the-3rd-consecutive-time
* Fostina Mbemba, who finished in 1:21:35 in 2025 edition, retained the women’s category title setting a personal best time of 1:19:56
By Duncan Mlanjira
Cobbe Barracks Athletics Club’s Kefasi Kasteni has won the Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 and setting a new time record of 1:05:45 against his runner-up time of 1:06:30 last year, which was won by Civo-Athletics-Club’s-Chikondi-Mwanyali-who-retained-the-title-for-the-3rd-consecutive-time.
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Mwanyali took the gold medal last year in 1:06:25 but failed to beat his own 2024’s time of 1:06:00 and his own record he attained in 2023 edition of 1:05:45.
The second position of the 2026 edition has been taken by Brave Mwamphanthe from Chilumba Garrison Club in a time 1:5:55 — thus beating Kasteni’s runner-up record while the 3rd position went to Thomas Chunga 1:0:72.
In women’s category, Moyale Barracks Athletics Club’s Fostina Mbemba retained her title in 1:19:56 and setting a personal best time as she finished in 1:21:35 in 2025 edition.
On 2nd place was Mercy Malembo from Armoured Battalion Club in 1:22:32) while the third position went to Enifa Kaponda in 2:21:47 — retaining the bronze she attained last year in 1:23:08 and becoming her personal best as she finished 1:31:34 in 2024 edition.
The winners prize money in the 21km half marathon is K2.5 million, second place K1.7 million, third place will got K1.5 million.
The 2026 edition was celebrated through the theme; ‘Keep Growing’ and indeed it has grown as it registered a record 4,085 runners, a feat which Standard Bank Chief Executive, Philip Madinga said: “What started small has become a powerful national platform. And that growth is exactly what this year’s theme is all about — ‘Keep Growing’.
Among the participants was former Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Walter Nyamilandu Manda, now a Member of Parliament for Nsanje South West, who competed in the 10km category.
He posted on his Facebook page saying: “Be More Race was great fun. Completed the 10km race in record time and enjoyed every kilometre.
“Well done to Standard Bank for putting together such a well organised event. It was also a pleasure catching up with my old friend, Phillip Madinga, along the way.”
Nyamilandu competing in 10km race
With Madinga at the finish
With Athletics Malawi president Chamwala and journalist Frank Phiri
On his part, Madinga — who extended a profound round of applause to every runner, every partner, and sponsor who showed — said: “Since 2017, Be More Race has grown into Malawi’s leading half marathon.
“Today, Be More Race is no longer just about running — it has evolved into a platform that brings people together for wellness and health, but also for connection, collaboration, and opportunity.
“It is a space where ideas are shared, businesses are built, networks are formed, and lives are impacted. Around you today, you can see that impact — local businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs are showcasing their products and services.
“From food and fashion to art and finance, this race creates opportunity and opens doors. That is the power of growing together.”
The Be More is further more than a race in that more importantly, it is a charity event which supports key national causes, including health, education, and youth development. Madinga enlightened the participants that from the registration fees they paid, which Standard Bank matches the total amount each year to support a selected corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the funds raised will be dedicated to equipping a sporting facility at a local school.
“This will create opportunity, inspire young talent, and invest in the next generation,” he said. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many Malawians.”
He also unveiled that the 2026 edition’s jersey was “thoughtfully designed to celebrate Malawi’s identity, showcasing iconic elements such as Lake Malawi, Mulanje Mountain, our famous chambo, and our rich traditional culture”.
“It is a reminder that as we grow, we remain proudly Malawian,” he said, adding that Standard Bank is on the path of growth and convenience, as it is bringing its digital and accessible banking solutions closer to the unbanked rural communities.
“Through our Agency Banking service, Kwacha Point, you can easily deposit cash, withdraw money, send quickash vouchers or check your account balances right within your communities through our agents.”
Standard Bank also joined other businesses that displayed their products and services by erecting Kwacha Point pavilions where its digital team helped to open online account by simply scanning on QR codes placed across the venue where they were directed to the bank’s platform to open an account instantly, without needing to visit a branch.
Thus the emphasis of ‘growth’, which Madinga also noted on all participants, saying: “Your discipline and determination brought you to the podium. You represent what Keep Growing truly means in action.
Young and old, a good day was enjoyed by all
“And to everyone who showed up today, you are also winners. You pushed yourself, you showed resilience, and you proved that progress begins with showing up,” said and quoted great international athlete, Eliud Kipchoge, reminds that; ‘No human is limited’.
Gracing the event was Malawi National Council of Sports Board chairperson, Jimu Kalua, who Standard Bank for investing in athletics and social services.
He took special recognition that since the establishment of the Be More Race, the proceeds have supported the health care, education and even the sports sector.
“As we celebrate the Be More Race winners, let’s acknowledge the power of partnerships in driving change,” he said. “I urge more companies to emulate Standard Bank model of using sports to worthy causes.”
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