By Chisomo Phiri
A 21-year-old Chikondi Mwanyali of Civil Service Athletic Club on Sunday defended his championship in the male category in the second edition of the 21-kilometre Mzuzu City Half Marathon.
Mwanyali finished the race in 1 hour six minutes and 47 seconds, breaking last year’s record of 1 hour 8 minutes.
Chancy Master,a soldier at Kamuzu Barracks, finished on second position after running the distance for 1 hour, seven minutes 14 seconds.
Grevazio Mpani from Civil as well scooped third position covering the distance in 1:8:22.
In the women category, Fostina Mbema of Moyale Barracks scooped the first position by covering the 21- kilometer distance in 1:25:42 beating legendary Tereza Master from Mulanje Athletics Club, who came second and managed to cover the race in 1:26:34.
Nalicy Chirwa scooped the title in the inaugural edition.She covered the distance in 1:26.58.
For their win, Mwanyali and Mbema received 1.5 million kwacha each.
Speaking in an interview after emerging champions, both Mwanyali and Mbema pointed to thorough preparations and endurance as key to their respective success stories.
Malawi Athletics Association president Kondwani Chamwala urged the winners to continue working hard in order to equally do well in the international games coming ahead.
About 203 athletes took part in the competition this year.
