Thousands of runners took to the streets of Accra on Saturday, 26 July, for the 2025 Absa Black Star Marathon, which drew participants from various countries and was officially opened by President John Mahama.

The race, which began and ended at Independence Square, featured a 42.2-kilometre marathon and a 10-kilometre run and walk.

His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Special Guest of Honour, described the event as a growing asset in the country’s tourism offering.

“The Absa Black Star Marathon has become a part of Ghana’s tourism experience, which we have labelled the Black Star experience. I am lending my presence to it today to show how important this project is for us. Government is going to work with Absa to make this the best marathon in Africa,” he said.

The marathon was organised by the Black Star Marathon Foundation in partnership with Absa Bank Ghana Ltd, with additional support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Authority, the Ghana Tourism Development Corporation and other corporate organisations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana Ltd, said the values behind long-distance running mirrored the discipline and endurance required for national development.

“Discipline, endurance and consistency: these values are not only the heart of sport; they are the heartbeat of a life,” he said. “At Absa Bank, we do not just open accounts; we open doors to possibilities. We invest in people and businesses because we know that every great finish line begins with a bold first step.”

Dr Botchway highlighted several of the bank’s recent initiatives, including Absa Bank’s collateral-free SME loan at 10 per cent interest per annum, borehole construction in underserved communities, and financial inclusion projects.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Eric Kwame Adae, President and Founder of the Black Star Marathon Foundation, noted that the Absa Black Star Marathon is a race born from passion and purpose, to inspire and empower people to run not just for their personal best but to support a worthy cause and promote tourism in Ghana.

“By sending athletes from various nations onto the streets of Accra, this monumental event becomes another step towards placing Ghana on the world stage, with each athlete serving as a shining Black Star for the world to admire.”

Among those present were the representative of the Minister for Youth and Sports, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director-General of the National Sports Authority; Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa Group; Rick De Kock, Absa Regional Executive; and John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Banks.

Others are Blake Boldon, World Athletics Certified Competition Director and First Vice President of the Black Star Marathon Foundation; Sallah Kalmoni, Managing Director of Silver Star Towers; Salem Kalmoni, Japan Motors, Managing Director of Japan Motors; and Samuel Attah-Mensah, Managing Director of Citi FM and Channel One TV.

In the 42.2-kilometre race, Koogo Atia, a Ghanaian middle-distance runner, and Nancy Waigumo Githaiga from Kenya earned top spots and were each rewarded with GH¢30,000, medals, certificates, and products from sponsors.

Organisers confirmed that a portion of event proceeds will be allocated to support dialysis care for patients in need, as well as broader health and youth-focused programmes.

The Absa Black Star Marathon included professional athletes, recreational runners, and para-athletes.