Give 6 Malawian Marathoners a Chance to Run

Summary

This project will provide 6 Malawian runners from rural villages a chance to compete in the Austin Marathon in February, and shoes & clothes for 100 additional runners from disadvantage communities.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In Malawi, unlike other African countries, financial support for runners is virtually nonexistent. Talented professional runners often earn less than $300/year; with that, they must support as many as 20 family members. This project provides shoes & clothes to 100 Malawian runners and will give 6 athletes the opportunity to compete for prize money, experience another culture, gain exposure, and connect to US runners -- creating a lifelong partnership between runners in Africa and the US.

How will this project solve this problem?

If we reach our funding goals, we will be able to provide international professional opportunities immediately to 6 runners, as well as support the careers of another 100 through clothes and running shoes (for many, their first pair ever).

Potential Long Term Impact

In the long run, The Malawi Project aims to increase visibility of running in Malawi among government and private sponsors, as well as inspire young runners to participate in sports as a tool for education, HIV prevention and community building.

Project Message

As runners in America, we take a lot for granted, like shoes, clothes, clean water, food. Malawian runners can't count on any of these things -- and yet they still run. That's true dedication.
- Janie Hayes, Rogue coach, Malawian resident for 18 months

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources