Mount Mulanje Porters Race returns on July 9 after a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the organisers, Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust communications manager Kondwani Chamwala the 24th Mount Mulanje Porters Race will be unique as it will also be part of the International Mountain Day commemoration.

He said: “As you are aware, Mulanje Mountain is one of tourism attraction pillars in the country.

“We will use the same event to commemorate International Day of Mountain. This will add the excitement during the day.”

Meanwhile, the organisers have partnered with the Ministry of Tourism and Nthuzi Funeral Services who are providing the financial support.

Chamwala said: “We are happy to disclose that Ministry of Tourism and Nthuzi Funeral Services are providing us with the financial support towards this year’s event.”

The annual race attracts male and female runners as they run a distance of approximately 25km up and across the Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve.

According to the organisers, the race is open to interested athletes, who are fit enough to run from Likhubula Forest Office

 right at the foot of the mountain.

The runners trek to Chambe Plateau about 2500m above sea level then proceed (via the plateau) to Lichenya Plateau and back to Likhubula. Runners could cover a tiring distance of 25 kilometres in two hours, which takes 10 hours at a walking pace.

Among the well-known athlete in the country that are expected to take part in the race include; Bonface Panganani, Charles Musowa and Doris Fisher.

Speaking in an interview ahead of the race, one of the athletes, Panganani said it is good that organisers have responded to their call to have the race back this year.

He said: “It is ideal that the race is back after a two-year break.

“This is extreme running race that we were looking forward to.

“I am training hard so that I should do well during the day.”

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