David Nakousi will begin his defence of the First National Bank Accra Marathon title over the full 42.2km distance on Saturday, November 14, facing a stronger endurance challenge and a field that includes former champions.
The 36th edition of the race marks a return to its traditional marathon format after organisers used a 21.1km half-marathon course in recent years. A redesigned route through Accra has also been introduced to ease congestion and create better conditions for competitors.
Nakousi, who has won the past two editions, will be attempting to extend his success over a distance twice as long as the one on which he secured those victories. He will compete alongside former winners, including champions from the women’s category, in what is expected to be a closely contested event.
The return to 42.2km also recalls the period when the race produced some of Ghana’s leading long-distance runners. David Zigah won the Accra Milo Marathon five times, while Godwin Adukpo was a four-time champion. Emmanuel Amoo, Fred Adongo and Stephen Manu were also prominent figures on the former Nungua Barrier to Dansoman route.
The Dansoman Keep Fit Club, which has organised the marathon since it began, said the half-marathon distance had been used to help develop a new generation of runners before they moved up to the full event.
“We realised that we don’t have many long-distance runners in Ghana. So the idea was to nurture talent so that it would serve as a feeder for the youth,” the club’s PRO, Isaac Yaotey Ako Jnr, told the Graphic Sports.
After two years of preparing athletes over 21.1km, organisers believe the event is ready to return to the longer distance.
Revised route
Changes have also been made in response to complaints about traffic and distractions during previous races. Last year’s course went through busy commercial areas such as Makola and the old Parliament House, but the new route will use wider roads and pass several major Accra landmarks.
“This year, the route has changed because we want to get the marathon closer to the people,” Ako Jnr said, highlighting the need for smoother traffic management and fewer interruptions.
The 42.2km race will start and finish at Independence Square. Runners will pass Osu Cemetery, Race Roundabout, Ridge Hospital, Nima, 37 Military Hospital and Tetteh Quarshie Interchange before continuing towards East Legon, American House and Flowerpot.
They will then take in Spences and Mahama Roundabout before returning via Landmark Hospital, Kala Police Station and Labadi Main Street.
The 10km course will also begin and end at Independence Square, passing Railway Roundabout, Sankara Circle, Police Headquarters, Danquah Circle and Labadi Road.
Three race categories
The event will include the 42.2km Premier Race, priced at GH¢150, and the 10km Open Race, which costs GH¢200. The Rising Stars 10km race is free for athletes under 18.
All competitors who finish within their category’s official cut-off time will receive commemorative medals. Prize money will be awarded to the leading finishers, while organisers are considering an international marathon opportunity for the overall winner.
Holland Insurance will provide participant insurance cover. First National Bank is the main sponsor, with support from Bel Aqua, Caveman and Holland Insurance. The Ablekuma West MP and other dignitaries have also been invited.
