By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Nov. 15, GNA – Ghanaian long-distance runner Koogo Atia emerged victorious in the men’s premier race at the 2026 First National Bank (FNB) Accra Marathon, while Kenya’s Aida Jerotich captured the women’s crown as thousands of runners converged on Independence Square for one of Africa’s elite marathons.
The 27-year-old University of Education, Winneba student crossed the finish line in 2:28:49 to win the men’s elite 42.2-kilometre race, securing his second marathon title and reinforcing his status as one of Ghana’s leading distance runners.
For his efforts, Atia received GH¢25,000, products from sponsors, and an opportunity to compete in the prestigious Cape Town Marathon.
David Nakousi finished second in 2:33:35 to earn GH¢15,000, while Ishmael Fialor placed third in 2:34:50 and took home GH¢10,000.
In the women’s elite race, Kenyan athlete Aida Jerotich demonstrated her dominance by winning in 2:50:58 to claim the top prize of GH¢25,000 and products from sponsors. Ghana’s Portia Anaba finished second in 3:00:13, receiving GH¢15,000, while Benin’s Ayade Collette secured third place in 3:03:22 for GH¢10,000.
The participation of athletes from Ghana, Kenya and Benin highlighted the growing regional appeal of the marathon, which organisers hoped would evolve into a major continental event.
Organised by the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, the race attracted more than 8,000 competitors, including over 2,500 students from second-cycle institutions.
In addition to the professional marathon, the event featured a 10-kilometre open race, a mass participation race and a Rising Star competition, where Prosper Koomson and Jessica emerged winners in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr Benjamin Ahulu, Chairman of the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, described the event as a success and commended participants for their resilience, discipline and commitment.
He congratulated all runners who took part in the marathon, regardless of whether they completed the race.
He said the partnership with First National Bank had revived the event and helped reposition it as a key fixture on Ghana’s athletics calendar.
“Our vision is to make the Accra Marathon one of the best in West Africa and Africa as a whole,” he said.
“We are working with our key partners, Ghana Athletics, to bring the marathon to international standards so that we can attract more members of the international running community.”
Mr Ahulu appealed to corporate institutions and development partners to support the race, noting that the cost of organising an event of such scale continued to increase.
Madam Sylvia Inkoom, Chief Executive Officer of FNB, said the bank remained committed to initiatives that positively impacted communities and promoted healthy lifestyles.
She thanked the Dansoman Keep Fit Club for embracing the relocation of the race from its traditional base in Dansoman to Independence Square.
“The venue is iconic. It represents Ghanaian resilience and strength, qualities that are essential in marathon running,” she said.
Madam Inkoom called on more corporate organisations to support the marathon, stressing that such partnerships would help discover and develop athletic talent capable of competing on the global stage.
She said the event was already unearthing promising athletes and could eventually produce future Olympians for Ghana.
“Who knows, in a year, two, three or four, we may be presenting an Olympic athlete at the Games,” she added.
All participants, including students and recreational runners, received commemorative medals in recognition of their efforts and contribution to the success of the event.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]