Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called for widespread public involvement in the upcoming 10th KGL Millennium Marathon, emphasizing sports as a catalyst for health, economic growth, and national unity.
Speaking at the event’s launch in Accra on Thursday, Adams framed the September 6, 2025, race as more than a competition, but a platform to bolster grassroots athletics and align with broader national development goals.
Under the theme “Beyond The Finish Line,” this year’s edition introduces revamped branding, increased prize money, and community-focused initiatives. Adams, who pledged to participate personally, urged students and professionals alike to join, noting that sports will play a pivotal role in job creation under the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy. “Sports is not just a consuming activity—it builds healthy minds, bodies, and economies,” he said, while cautioning athletes against doping and encouraging local runners to “compete confidently” against international participants.
The marathon, first launched in 2015 by former President John Mahama and Ethiopian icon Haile Gebrselassie, has evolved into a key fixture on Ghana’s sporting calendar. Organizers announced a total prize pool of GH¢75,000 for male and female winners, with bonuses for record-breakers. Fourth to 25th-place finishers will also receive consolation awards.
KGL Group CEO Alex Dadey reiterated his company’s commitment to sports development, urging corporate Ghana to prioritize funding for athletics. “Health and sports are critical national assets,” Dadey stated, highlighting the KGL Foundation’s role in sustaining the event. National Sports Authority Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah praised the marathon’s inclusive ethos, declaring, “Every participant is a winner.”
Race co-founder Catherine Morton outlined ambitious plans for the anniversary edition, including charity fundraising drives and partnerships to establish a Ghana Athletics Academy. She confirmed World Athletics certification for the event, which will now double as a tourism and business showcase.
Ghana Athletics President Bawa Fuseni applauded organizers for their decade-long resilience, expressing hope that the marathon will soon qualify as an Olympic pathway event. Registration is open via the shortcode *800*101010#, with officials anticipating record turnout.
The marathon’s evolution reflects Ghana’s growing emphasis on sports as a vehicle for social and economic transformation. As the nation eyes greater global athletic prominence, events like the KGL Millennium Marathon underscore the interplay between grassroots engagement, corporate investment, and international recognition a race where the finish line is just the beginning.
