The streets of Accra came alive Saturday morning as hundreds of runners gathered at Independence Square to participate in the 2025 Absa Black Star Marathon, which kicked off at 6 a.m. with a vibrant display of athleticism, energy, and community spirit.

Organised in partnership with Absa Bank, this year’s marathon emphasised health awareness, inclusivity, and Ghana’s growing profile in international sports tourism.

From amateur runners to seasoned athletes, participants competed in 42km, 21km, and 10km races, with some pushing boundaries in the newly introduced wheelchair race category.

President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the opening ceremony, praised the event’s contribution to Ghana’s tourism brand.

“The Black Star Marathon has become a part of Ghana’s tourism experience, and we’ve labeled it the Black Star experience,” he said.

“So many athletes are here from 28 different nations.”

While President Mahama admitted he’s never run a marathon himself, he applauded the determination of those who took part, reinforcing the importance of supporting such global events locally.

The marathon seamlessly blended sport, culture, and community engagement, strengthening its position as one of West Africa’s premier mass participation races.

See the moments of celebration, sweat, and triumph from today’s Absa Black Star Marathon.