The Blantyre 42.195 km race is set to make a grand return on Saturday, October 4, 2025, uniting professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and the wider community under the inspiring theme “Embrace the Challenge.”
The announcement was made on Monday 26th August 2025 by the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) Regional (South) Sports and Recreation Development Manager, Ruth Mzengo, during a press briefing at the Council’s head office in Blantyre.
Mzengo disclosed that this year’s race will start at 5:00 am. and will feature four key activities: the 42.195 km full marathon, 10 km race, 5 km race, and aerobics sessions.
“We are excited to announce that the Blantyre 42.195 km Race will take place on October 4, 2025. Registration is now open, and athletes can register online or visit our offices in Mzuzu at the OPC Building, in Lilongwe at the Kamuzu Institute for Sports, in Blantyre at the MNCS Head Office, as well as the Blantyre Sports Arena,” said Mzengo.
She further highlighted that prize money for this year’s competition has been revised upwards to ensure that athletes benefit significantly from their participation.
In the 42.195 km full marathon, the winner will walk away with MK2 million, while the runner-up will receive MK1.5 million. The third-place finisher will take home MK1.2 million, with consolation prizes awarded to athletes finishing in positions four through ten.
In the 10 km race, the top prize is MK100,000, with MK80,000 and MK75,000 for second and third place respectively. For the 5 km race, the winner will earn MK70,000, the runner-up MK60,000, and third place MK50,000.
This year’s edition will also encourage the participation of veteran athletes aged 60 and above, with free registration offered to them as a way of promoting inclusivity and celebrating lifelong fitness.
In a new development, MNCS announced that it has officially handed over the management of the Blantyre 42.195 km race to Athletics Malawi (AM).
Athletics Malawi Vice General Secretary, Charles Sent Banda, welcomed the move, saying the federation is ready to build on the foundations laid by MNCS.
“We thank MNCS for trusting us with the responsibility of managing the Blantyre 42.195 km race. Over the years, we have worked closely with the Council, gaining valuable experience. We are confident this year’s edition will be bigger and better. We encourage all athletes to register and be part of this exciting event,” said Banda.
Registration fees have been set at MK15,000.00 for ordinary athletes and MK10,000.00 for athletes affiliated with Athletics Malawi clubs in the full marathon. For the 10 km and 5 km races, the fees are MK10,000.00 for ordinary athletes and MK5,000.00 for club-affiliated athletes. Veterans, as announced, will register free of charge.
Since its inception, the Blantyre Marathon has grown into one of Malawi’s premier sporting events, drawing both local and international participants. Beyond the thrill of competition, the event continues to serve as a platform for promoting health, fitness, and community spirit.