520 runners in flagship half marathon; 1,265 in 10km; 1,850 in 5km; and 440 to participate in children’s category
* As the annual charity event now enters its eighth season since its inception in 2017, whose participation funds go towards charity
By Duncan Mlanjira
A record turnout of 4,085 athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike has been registered to participate in Saturday Standard Bank Be More Race 2026 set from Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
From the total participants, 520 runners are in the flagship half marathon; 1,265 in 10km; 1,850 in 5km; and 440 to participate in children’s category as the annual charity event now enters its eighth season since its inception in 2017.
The participation fees go towards charity with Standard Bank Plc matching the total amount each year to support a selected corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
This year, the combined funds will be directed towards equipping a sporting facility for a local school to help create better opportunities for young athletes and promote active lifestyles.
It will 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.
Head of Brand & Marketing, Tamanda Ng’ombe said this year “marks the highest entry level in the race’s history which underscores the exponential growth as a race”.
Ng’ombe said patrons should look forward to an exciting race day complimented by music performances by popular Malawian urban artists, family entertainment, an SME market, a vehicle and asset facility showcase, food and rehydration stalls and more besides.
She hailed Standard Bank’s partnership with Athletics Malawi and other key technical stakeholders in setting the stage for patrons to experience world-class athletics standards in keeping with technological upgrades of international athletics.
“The use of race tracking technologies introduced last year to enhance competition integrity to put the Be More Race at the same level as with all international marathons has been maintained.
“This provides efficiency, accuracy and fairness in determining winners, and ensures that both professional and non-professional athletes enjoy the same standard in terms of race timing, and tracking,” said N’gombe.
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On his Athletics Malawi president, Kondwani Chamwala says the race’s oversubscription underscores its growth in stature: “The Be More Race continues to show how running can bring people together.
“Beyond competition, it encourages healthy lifestyles, determination, and community spirit. Athletics Malawi looks forward to seeing thousands of participants on June 20 and wishes all runners the very best as they complete their final preparations.” said Athletics Malawi President Kondwani Chamwala.
Meanwhile, various running groups say they are geared to challenge established professional athletes for the big prizes after spending months preparing for this year’s race.
Blantyre Joggers Club, who organised a family-fun-run-scheduled-on-June-6-include a 21km-half-marathon, indicates that their team of 20 participants are ready for the Be More Race 2026 challenge.
The Blantyre Joggers
“We’ve been in intense preparations ahead of the race, and these included a recent Family Fun Run at Kamuzu Stadium,” said Limbani Nsapato, BJC vice-president.
Last year, the-passionate-blantyre-joggers-also-sent-representatives-the-Be-More-Race, joining over 2,700 participants that took part in the 2025 edition.
A total of K15.9 million will be won in the half-marathon of 21 km, split into male and female athlete categories — with the champions awarded with K2.5 million each.
The men’s 2025 edition’s champion was 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.
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 Bank Be More Race is a premium experience for all runners and ages,” Mlilima said.
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