Nadolo, Mbemba win Blantyre Marathon

South Africa-based athlete Mphatso Nadolo has won the eighth edition of the Blantyre 42.195 Kilometre (km) Race at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

He crossed the finish line in 2:25.01 hours, about two minutes ahead of runner-up and last year’s champion McDonald Maganizo, who clocked 2:27.28 hours. Allan Chirwa took third place in 2:27.31 hours.

This marks the fourth time Nadolo has claimed the title, having also won in 2019, 2021 and 2024.

In the women’s category, Fostina Mbemba claimed victory for the first time, beating runner-up and former champion Tereza Master by 12 minutes.

Nadolo had entered this year’s race determined to add to his tally after sitting out last year’s edition, when Maganizo claimed victory in his absence.

Ahead of the race, Nadolo said he had been training hard with the aim of finishing in under two hours and 20 minutes and “bringing the glory back to Zomba.”

The marathon, now in its eighth year, drew both professional and amateur athletes competing across three categories: the full 42.195km marathon, a 10km race and a 5km fun run, with organisers targeting a turnout of more than 300 participants this year.

This year’s winners take home a cash prize of K2 million each, along with a place at this year’s regional half marathon in South Africa, scheduled for November.