Accra Inter-City Homowo Marathon launched

Medivents Consults on Wednesday launched the maiden Accra Inter-City Marathon, an initiative designed to unearth athletes from the Ga communities at the Oceanic Hotel, Korle Gono in Accra. 

Slated for July 30, the launch was performed by the Asere Tsono Mantse Nii Quao Donkor II and witnessed by representatives from the Ghana Athletic Association (GAA) and other stakeholders.

The initiative is part of activities to mark the celebration of the annual Ga Homowo festival. 

Launching the event,Nii Quao Donkor II, applauded the brains behind the event and urged the team to continue to promote the Homowo festival with such events.

The Project Manager, Mr William Ezah assured athletes and race lovers of a good event, having been given the green light by the Ga Traditional Council. 

General Manager of Medivents, Mr Henri Senyo Penni said the marathon will promote long distance runners and unearth talents in the sports. 

He said the 21 kilometer half-marathon will set off at 6am from Papaye in Spintex and move through Nungua, Teshie and end the race at Chorkor.

Mr Penni disclosed that runners will be provided with running vest, water and medical checkups every 200 meters of the race.

According to him, athletes will be provided with T-shirts, medals and certificates but only runners who finish the race will be presented with medals and certificates. 

For the prizes, Mr Penni said, the first 10 runners will be rewarded in both the male and female categories. 

The first position goes home with GH¢10,000; GH¢5,000 for the second; GH¢3000 for the third; GH¢1,500 and GH¢1,000 for fourth and fifth respectively. 

Runners who place sixth to 10th will receiveGH¢500 each. 

BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY