Accra City Marathon launched: Set to showcase Ghana's premier road race event
In a bid to make its mark on the international marathon scene, the rebranded Accra City Marathon is gearing up for its highly anticipated edition scheduled for January 13, 2024.
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With a projected participation of around 12,000 dedicated runners, both professional and recreational, the event is poised to capture the essence of road racing.
Runathon Ghana Foundation, the organisers of the marathon, has positioned the 42.2-kilometre race as a flagship event in Ghana, rivalling globally acclaimed marathons such as the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon.
Beyond the pursuit of athletic excellence, the organizers have also dedicated 30 per cent of the proceeds from the event to the National Cardiothoracic Centre, underlining their commitment to the provision of healthcare to the needy in society.
At the event's launch in Accra last Monday, the Chairman of the Runathon Ghana Foundation, Eric Kwame Adae, spoke about his aspirations for the marathon's future, stating, "Our journey began with Runathon events in 2012, and after a brief hiatus in 2016 due to my studies abroad, we are now back with a much grander and more impactful event. The Accra City Marathon aims to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's finest marathons, showcasing Accra and Ghana's finest offerings to a global audience."
Mr. Adae said to accommodate participants' preparations, the registration channels for the event will open in September, providing potential contenders with a substantial four-month window to ready themselves for the race.
He said the marathon was not only about athletic competition but also aims to spotlight the vibrant culture, hospitality, and potential of Accra and Ghana as a whole.
Categories and prizes
There will be contests in four categories namely; Men and Women over 18 years, Men and Women wheelchair race, 42.2 km seven-person mixed corporate relay and five-kilometre Novice Supreme (Boys & Girls).
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For the main 42.2km marathon, substantial prizes await the top performers with the first place winners in both genders expected to bag GH₵10,000, while the second and third place runners will receive GH₵7,000 and GH₵5,000 respectively.
The cash rewards will also extend to participants ranking from fourth to 10th place. Generous gifts from sponsors, alongside trophies, medals, and certificates, will further recognize the participants' exceptional efforts.