Malawi Defence Force athletes dominated the 2026 Standard Bank Be More Race in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The double victory capped a strong day for the MDF, with its athletes sweeping both the men’s and women’s 21-kilometre titles and leaving the rest of the field chasing shadows.
Kefasi Kasten crossed the finish line first to win the men’s race, while teammate Fostina Mbemba successfully defended her women’s crown during the annual event held at Bingu National Stadium.
The race started at 6 a.m., with participants braving the chilly weather to compete in the 21km, 10km, and 5km categories.
In the men’s 21km race, Brave Mwambene finished second, and Thomas Chunga came third. Mphatso Nadolo and Allan Chirwa completed the top five positions.
Mercy Malembo finished second in the women’s category, followed by Enifa Kaponda in third place. Tereza Master and Money Chingaipe came fourth and fifth, respectively.
More than 5,000 people took part in the event, which also featured aerobics and other fitness activities aimed at promoting mass participation in sports.
Speaking after the race, Standard Bank Chief Executive Philip Madinga described the 2026 edition as the most exciting since the event was launched.
Malawi National Council of Sports chairperson Jim Kalua commended Standard Bank for its continued support of sports development through the Be More Race, which has been held annually since 2017.
This year’s event was held under the theme “Keep Growing,” reflecting the race’s focus on health, fitness, and personal development.
