The Dansoman Keep Fit Club has announced the sixth edition of the First National Bank Accra Marathon, set to take place on November 14, 2026. This year's event marks the 35th consecutive marathon organized by the club. The marathon will feature a full 42.2-kilometer distance, a return to the international standard after two years of focusing on shorter distances to identify and nurture talent.
The launch of the event was held at the Dansoman Keep Fit Club in Accra, addressed by the club's chairman, Benjamin Ahulu. He outlined an ambitious vision for this year's event, emphasizing the importance of elevating the Accra Marathon to international standards. The change in distance is part of efforts to develop and promote marathon running in Ghana.
A major highlight of this year's edition is the change in the race route and venue. The marathon will now start and end at the Independence Square, taking runners through previously unused parts of the city. The new route will go through the Osu Cemetery, the Ridge Hospital, the Nima Highway to 37, the airport streets, East Legon, Abedi Pele Street, American House, the flowerpot flyover to Spintex Road, Teshie, the Kofi Annan Center, Osu, and back to Independence Square.
The marathon will feature three distinct races. The premier race will be the full 42.2km marathon, which includes professional athletes competing for prizes. A 10-kilometer race will be held for the "Rising Stars," a category designed to unearth future talent in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES). The third category is the Open Race, a community event open to everybody.
Mr. Ahulu emphasized the significance of the new course, stating that for the past 34 years, the marathon has been held in Dansoman, but this year, it will take the marathon to other parts of Accra. He also revealed a new incentive for all participants, where every athlete who crosses the finishing line will receive a medal, in addition to the big prizes for the top runners.
Organisers are expecting a significant turnout, with a minimum of 5,000 athletes anticipated. The expected numbers are about 3,000 for the Rising Stars race, 1,000 for the premier race, and another 1,000 for the open race. This, combined with volunteers and officials, means close to 8,000 people are expected to be involved.
On the prize package, the chairman stated that while the exact figures were not yet finalized, the rewards would be substantial, including cash prizes and sponsorship to international events. The goal is to develop and promote athletes, with previous sponsorships to events like the Cape Town Marathon.
Key points
- The Accra Marathon will feature a full 42.2km race and a new route showcasing more of Accra.
- The event will have three distinct races, including the premier 42.2km marathon, a 10-kilometer "Rising Stars" race, and an Open Race.
- Organisers expect a significant turnout of at least 5,000 athletes and offer substantial prizes, including cash and sponsorship to international events.
