Mzuzu Half Marathon Seeks Final Sponsorship Boost Ahead of March 28 Race

Organisers of the 2026 Mzuzu Half Marathon have appealed for additional sponsorship as preparations intensify for the third edition of the 21-kilometre race scheduled for March 28, 2026 in Mzuzu.

Organising Committee Chairperson Ardron Msowoya made the appeal following a 10-kilometre health walk held in the city to raise awareness of the upcoming event.

Msowoya said the total budget for the marathon stands at K40 million, of which K35 million has already been secured, leaving a K5 million funding gap.

“We are grateful for the support we have received so far, but we still need more partners to come on board both financially and in kind so that we successfully host this year’s marathon,” said Msowoya.

He added that the committee expects increased participation this year following an upward revision of the prize money.

” Last year we had 119 athletes participating, but we anticipate more runners this time around because we have increased the top prize from K1.5 million to K2 million for the winner,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of one of the event’s partners, Moyale Barracks Sports Officer Lieutenant Mike Chimwala reaffirmed the Malawi Defence Force side’s commitment to supporting the marathon.

“As a stakeholder, Moyale Barracks is contributing resources in various ways because we believe such events promote physical fitness and also serve as a unifying factor within the community,” said Chimwala.

Various institutions took part in the 10-kilometre health walk, which aimed at promoting the forthcoming marathon.

The walk started at the Mzuzu Clock Tower roundabout and passed through several key locations including the Road Traffic Offices, Mzuzu High Court, Mzuzu Stadium, Chiputula, the Airport area, before connecting to the M1 Road, passing through Katoto, and concluding at the Mzimba North District Council offices.

The awareness event attracted participation from several institutions partnered by the Malawi National Council of Sports, including the Ministry of Education, Judiciary, Malawi Housing Corporation, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Immigration Department, Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, and Malawi Prison Service.