15,000 Runners Gear Up For Millennium Marathon

Over 15,000 professional runners, both locally and internationally, are expected to hit the streets of Accra on September 5 this year, when the city hosts the first major international marathon.

Dubbed the 'Millennium Marathon', the event, in collaboration with the Race Director, Haile Gebrselassie, is expected to attract 100,000 spectators from around the world.

The historic half marathon (21km) will see runners start the race from the Independence Square through the Labadi Beach Road, Trade Fair, the National Theatre, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and end at the starting point.

Characteristically, thousands of marathon lovers will line up along the streets of Accra as well as the Independence Square for the once-in-a-life-time event.

Organizers of the event, Millennium Marathon Sports Limited, have indicated that the initiative seeks to create an annual world class sports and tourist event for Ghana, which will bring family and community together, while raising money for charity.

It also focuses on promoting a healthy living lifestyle for participants, and from August 29 to September 4, a Fitness and Health Expo would be held at the Aviation Social Centre daily to showcase current and new ways of healthy living.

The expo will bring together leaders in the health and fitness industry and showcase over 300 products and services.

Preceding the main marathon are nine regional marathons in all regional capitals with six already held in Tamale, Sunyani, Ho, Kumasi, Wa and Koforidua.

At stake are two brand new Peugeot 301 cars for male and first female winners in the 21k race. Other prizes include cash prizes, airline tickets, appliances and sporting gear.

The Airtel-sponsored Millennium Marathon is organised in partnership with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum