Malik Yakubu defied all odds and stiff challenge from previous winners to grab the first spot of the 29th Accra Milo Marathon over a distance of 42.2kilometers in 2 hours 22 minutes and 46 seconds.
The second position went to Kassim Mohammed in a time of 2h:22m:59s and Joseph Yandal taking the third place in 2h:23m:14s.
In the Female Category, Elizabeth Azuri was first, as Lriba Sakkat took the second position and the third prize going to Elizabeth Borstor. The took home cash prize of 15,000ghc for winners, 5,000ghc for first runner ups and 3,000ghc for second runner ups.
It was a successful race with no accident and the children had more fun with comedian Funny Face and others.
As usual, the Dansoman Keep Fit Center also known as Liberty Park or Carl Reindoff Park was filled to capacity with people from all walks of life who took part in the main race, fun race and children’s race.
Everyone who participated and completed the races had prizes from Nestle Ghana Ltd the main sponsor of the popular event which is in its 29th season.
Youth & Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuije who graced the race said he was impressed with the turnout of many school kids and promised to press on the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education to adjust the academic calendar to allow more time for students to do sports at school.
He announced that the Winneba Sports College would be revamped so that athletes could be camped there, groomed and given the chance to participate in several races so as to make them good competitors at the global level in the near future.
The Minister congratulated the winners and all who took part and promised to raise the level of athletics in the country so that there are good runners who can win international medals for Ghana.
Managing Director of Nestle Ghana, Mrs. Freda Y. Duplan said this year’s marathon saw about 9,000 runners competing in two races 42.2km and 5km for fun for families and friends which Nestle Milo introduced as a noncompetitive race to encourage people to work out physically.
She announced that this year milo has pledge to donate 4,000 shoes to be distributed to school children in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service.
Danny Welbeck, Chairman of the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, organisers of the event commended all who supported to make the race successful. Stressing on this year’s theme of “Every Champion starts by taking the First Step”, he was impressed with the participation and discipline of all runners.
He said they have about to embark on new projects like the annual Mini Olympics in Greater Accra and corporate games for businesses in Dansoman to encourage them live healthy lifestyles.
Credit: Sammy Heywood Okine
