The city of Tiébélé, located in the province of Nahouri, region of Nazinon, will host the first edition of the Kassena Impérial Run, an international marathon scheduled for June 25-27, 2027. This sporting event is organized under the theme "Youth and sport for peace and development". According to Abraham Abassagué, president of the national organizing committee, the initiative aims to promote sports and mobilize populations around national development.
The marathon will feature three courses. The first, called "Les Foulées Kassena", is a 36 km professional run with positive and negative elevations, open to runners aged 18 and above. The course will pass through Kampala, Tiébélé, the dam, markets, and several scenic sites, including the Royal Court of Tiébélé. Runners will also climb hills and cliffs before finishing on a designated terrain. The registration fee for this course is 25,000 F CFA.
In addition to the professional course, two other courses are planned. The "Tiébélé Culture Marathon" is a 10 km run open to the general public, with a registration fee of 10,000 F CFA. The "Tiébélé Héritage" course is a 1.5 km run reserved for children aged 10-15, and is free of charge. The courses aim to promote physical activity, cultural heritage, and community cohesion.
The marathon is organized with the technical support of national and international Olympic sports experts, as well as the Burkinabé Ministry of Sports. The event also benefits from the technical and logistical support of international partners. The courses offer runners a unique experience, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and scenic sites.
The winners of the marathon will receive prizes. The winner of the "Les Foulées Kassena" course will receive 1 million F CFA, while the second and third will receive 750,000 F CFA and 500,000 F CFA respectively. For the 10 km course, the first three will receive 500,000, 250,000, and 150,000 F CFA respectively. Children's prizes will range from 75,000 to 25,000 F CFA.
Registration for the marathon opened on November 10, 2026, and will close on March 30, 2027. Interested participants can contact the organizers at +226 67 48 59 66 or +226 70 46 17 57 for more information. The event aims to promote sports, culture, and community development in Burkina Faso.
The Kassena Impérial Run is an initiative of the Burkinabé government to promote sports and national development. According to Cécile Ouédraogo, project coordinator, the event aims to make sports a powerful vector of cultural preservation, promotion, and development. The marathon is expected to attract runners from around the world and showcase the beauty of Burkinabé landscapes and culture.
Key points
- The Kassena Impérial Run will feature three courses, including a 36 km professional run, a 10 km run for the general public, and a 1.5 km run for children.
