Standard Bank’s ‘Be More Race’ returns

Standard Bank’s annual signature wellness marathon, the Be More Race, has returned after a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s event will be held on June 4 in Lilongwe with a Blantyre race scheduled for May 7 as warm-up for the main race.

Speaking in Lilongwe yesterday during the relaunch of the race, Standard Bank chief executive Phillip Madinga said the bank will use this year’s race to raise funds to support girls’ secondary school education in Lilongwe.

He said: “In relaunching the race, Standard Bank invites back all key partners to join us in efforts aiming to facilitate the country’s recovery process in both respects of the economy and people’s wellness.

“The 2022 Be More Race provides a platform to celebrate the resilience of a nation in withstanding socio-economic effects of Covid-19 pandemic, while offering hope for a better tomorrow.”

Madinga said the race will attract people and organisations from different sectors, in addition to local and internationalprofessional athletes.

He said: “Since 2017 Be More Race has become a multi-disciplinary event deploying a marathon to create lasting relationships with different stakeholders locally and internationally.

“This underscores that Standard Bank is more than just a bank, but an integral part of the community fabric.

“The 2022 Be More Race will serve to underscore that we are stronger when we work together, and that through our partnerships, our dreams and aspirations are possible and Can Be.”

Madinga said proceeds from the race will go towards supporting girls’ education at Lilongwe Girls Secondary School where Standard Bank is constructing hostels. The last race in 2019 attracted over 1,500 participants. Registration for the race starts on April 4, 2022.

Standard Bank has partnered various fitness groups and gyms to offer moral support to participants ahead of the race.

Joggers on Move chairperson Jayne Nyirenda encouraged Malawians to embrace positive attitude towards good health and fitness.

“You can’t run if you’re not in good health. Millions in the Bank are nothing without good health,” she said.

Athletics Association of Malawi president Godfrey Phiri thanked Standard Bank for keeping its promise of having the race return.

He said: “Thanks for fulfilling your promise to make the race stay. During the Covid-19 break, you may have been discouraged but the return shows that you put athletics at the heart.

“We will not disappoint you. We will make sure that this race is well publicised and becomes crowd puller. Thank you for the big prize money. Athletes will run their lungs out.”

The main race will be competed in three categories, namely five kilometre (km), 10km and 21km half marathon which attracts professional athletes and the extreme outdoor fitness enthusiasts.

The winner in the half marathon will get K1.5 million while second and third placed will receive K900 000 and K500 000 respectively.

Standard Bank launched the Be More Race in 2017 as its flagship athletics and wellness event to engage existing and potential customers, key stakeholders, and communities through a key uniting passion point – sport.