The First National Bank Accra Marathon returns to its full 42.2-kilometre distance on Saturday, November 14, setting the stage for a compelling showdown as two-time defending champion, David Nakousi, steps up to the ultimate endurance test against a field of former winners.
The 36th edition marks a significant shift for the historic race, with organisers abandoning the 21.1km half-marathon format used in recent years and introducing a redesigned course through Accra aimed at reducing congestion and improving racing conditions.
For the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, which has organised the event since its inception, the return to the classic marathon distance represents another step towards developing Ghana's long-distance running talent.
The Club PRO, Isaac Yaotey Ako Jnr, explained that the half-marathon format was deliberately introduced to develop emerging runners before exposing them to the greater physical demands of the full distance.
"We realised that we don't have many long-distance runners in Ghana. So the idea was to nurture talent so that it would serve as a feeder for the youth," he told the Graphic Sports.
After two years of developing runners over 21.1km, organisers believe the competition is ready to return to its traditional distance.
The spotlight will fall on Nakousi, winner of the previous two editions, who has the chance to join famous predecessors who dominated the 42.2km race when it was started four decades ago.
Now, Nakousi must demonstrate his endurance and grit over twice the distance on which he claimed his recent successes, while competing alongside former champions, including previous winners in the women's category, for what watchers expect to be a fiercely contested race.
The return to 42.2km also revives memories of legendary runners like David Zigah (five-time winner of the Accra Milo Marathon), four-time champion Godwin Adukpo, as well as the likes of Emmanuel Amoo, Fred Adongo and Stephen Manu who were dominant figures on the old Nungua Barrier to Dansoman route in the glorious past of Ghana’s most celebrated long-distance road race.
Organisers have introduced a substantially revised route following complaints about traffic congestion and distractions during previous editions.
Last year's course passed through busy commercial areas, including Makola and the old Parliament House, but the new circuit will take runners through wider roads and major Accra landmarks.
"This year, the route has changed because we want to get the marathon closer to the people," Ako Jnr explained, emphasising the need for smoother traffic management and fewer interruptions.
The full-marathon route begins at Independence Square, passing Osu Cemetery, Race Roundabout, Ridge Hospital, Nima, 37 Military Hospital and Tetteh Quarshie Interchange before extending towards East Legon, American House and Flowerpot.
Runners will negotiate the Spences and Mahama Roundabout sections before returning through Landmark Hospital, Kala Police Station and Labadi Main Street to finish at Independence Square.
The 10km course will also start and finish at Independence Square, taking runners through Railway Roundabout, Sankara Circle, Police Headquarters, Danquah Circle and Labadi Road.
Three races, wider participation
The event features three categories: the 42.2km Premier Race, costing GH¢150; the 10km Open Race at GH¢200, and the Rising Stars 10km race, which offers free entry to athletes under 18.
All runners finishing within their category's official cut-off time will receive specially designed commemorative medals.
Monetary prizes await leading finishers, with organisers also exploring an international marathon opportunity for the overall winner, continuing a tradition of rewarding outstanding performances.
Beyond the competition, runner welfare remains a priority, with Holland Insurance providing insurance cover for participants.
First National Bank leads the sponsorship support, alongside Bel Aqua, Caveman and Holland Insurance, while organisers have invited the Ablekuma West MP and other dignitaries.
