Accra Milo Marathon

History beckons in the upcoming Accra Milo Marathon with emerging young runners optimistic of upstaging teenage prodigy and defending champion, William Akuka Awunime.

It is not only the young ones but former champions, David Zigah, Godwin Adukpo and Anthony Yin, are making a strong return to lay claim to the title they once easily dominated in the country.

It appears Friday will see another champion emerge from the over 7000 runners ready to give Awunime and the other former champions a run for their money.

But the relatively inexperienced 18-year-old is not ready to surrender his title, and he believes even the veterans must work extra hard if they want to dispossess him of the title, as he is now more matured with enough stamina to complete the distance in a time better than last year. He has set his sight on shattering the existing record this time around, and ensure he maintains his hold on the title for the second time running.

The winner of the 42.2km race which commences at the Nungua barrier through some principal streets of Accra to the Liberty Park in Dansoman will receive GHc10,000 while the first and second runners up get GHc 7,000 and GHc 5,000 respectively.

Indeed, the muscles of the runners will be stretched to another level in search of the enticing prize money in the 26th edition of the annual competition sponsored by Nestle Ghana Limited.

This year, organisers have cut the distance for the U-15 category from 15km to 5km to ensure the safety of the children as well as encourage many more to complete the race.

But the prize money for the winner from this category still remain GHc1,200 and the second and third will receive GHc800 and GHc 500.