Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike returns this June

The annual Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Race, arranged by Luwawa Forest Lodge, returns for another year as avid cyclists from Malawi and beyond take to the incredible landscape of the South Viphya Forest Reserve.

The 18th Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Marathon Race, which is set to take place on Saturday 17 June 2023, takes you on a spectacularly beautiful 53km route along mountain ridges and through the indigenous forest, primarily on single track.  The course is tough and challenging but will certainly give you a sense of achievement as you cross the finish line.

The Main Race is open to all cyclists over the age of 17 who have a safety approved standard of mountain bike and are fit enough to complete the 53km race in a reasonable time. Alternatively, there is also a Junior Race of 20km for those under 17 or who want to cycle a shorter route.

There are generous individual monetary prizes from this year’s sponsors, Standard Bank, for the first three elite men and the first three elite women to finish the course. In addition, the prestigious “Selmar Gassen Memorial Trophy” will be presented as the Team prize. This detailed miniature silver replica mountain bike will be taken home by the first three members of a registered team to finish with the lowest average time over the course.

Would your company, club or organisation like to enter a team?  Teams can be sponsored to raise money for a charity of their choice or to help support the Luwawa Environmental Trust. Local teams from all over Malawi have been represented and, in previous years, Blantyre Cycling Club and Mzuzu Cycling have done particularly well.

It’s a really great day out for all the family and spectators are most welcome. The prize giving will take place in the beautiful grounds of Luwawa Forest Lodge at approximately 3.00 pm.

This year’s event starts at 10.00am from Luwawa Forest Lodge.  Registration is from 8.00am to 8.45am  Payment and race number allocation will also take place from 8am.  Starting positions are based Race Numbers which are issued on a first come first served basis.

Advance registration will therefore gain better start positions than those that register on the day.

Entry forms are available by e-mail from luwawalodge@yahoo.com.