Run4Reforestation 2026 Celebrates Biggest Turnout Since 2019

Run4Reforestation has celebrated another successful year on Zomba Plateau, with 306 people taking part in the 2026 event in support of the continued protection and restoration of one of Malawi’s best-known natural landscapes.

Held on Saturday 12 September and organised by TREEZ and Zomba Forest Lodge, the annual event brought together runners, walkers and conservation supporters for three routes across the Plateau, while raising funds for TREEZ’s ongoing environmental and community work.

This year’s turnout was the largest since 2019, with a record 58 participants taking on the challenging 21km route. A further 87 people completed the 10km course, while 161 joined the 5km run and walk.

There were some impressive performances across all three distances. The fastest men’s times were 1:35:21 for the 21km, 34:42 for the 10km and 18:14 for the 5km. The fastest women completed the respective distances in 2:00:30, 42:26 and 22:46.

Protecting Zomba Plateau

While the event provides an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular surroundings of Zomba Plateau, conservation remains at the heart of Run4Reforestation.

Money raised from this year’s event will contribute towards the continued protection of the Plateau’s southern slopes while also supporting livelihoods within neighbouring communities.

One of the most immediate threats facing the area is fire. Funds generated through Run4Reforestation are helping TREEZ employ community conservation members who patrol the slopes and are able to respond quickly when fires occur.

Protecting the vegetation of Zomba Plateau is particularly important for its role as a water catchment. Trees and shrubs help stabilise the soil, reduce erosion and support the natural movement of water through the landscape. When vegetation is lost to fire, streams and rivers can begin to dry earlier in the year, with consequences for both the environment and communities that rely on these water sources.

TREEZ says its conservation work is already delivering visible results, with greener slopes and streams continuing to flow for longer in areas where protection and restoration work has taken place.

Run4Reforestation forms part of TREEZ’s wider programme to restore degraded forest, protect existing trees and work alongside communities around Zomba Plateau. Ahead of the event, fundraising also included a major raffle supported by tourism businesses and other organisations from across Malawi.

Following another successful event, TREEZ thanked everyone who took part and supported the initiative, helping turn a day of running and walking on Zomba Plateau into valuable long-term support for its forests and surrounding communities.

Click here for a short video of the event.

For more information about TREEZ and its work on Zomba Plateau, visit the TREEZ website.