FNB Accra Marathon Returns to Full 42.2km Distance, Promises Bigger Route and Finisher Medals

The Dansoman Keep Fit Club has officially launched the sixth edition of the First National Bank (FNB) Accra Marathon, set to take place on November 14, 2026. This year's event marks a significant comeback to the full 42.2-kilometre marathon distance, featuring a brand-new route that showcases more of Accra and finisher medals for every eligible participant.

The launch ceremony, held at the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, brought together key stakeholders, including FNB Brands Specialist Slyvia Adadey, who reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting this flagship sporting event. Under the theme Go The Distance - Run Accra, the marathon will celebrate the club's 35th consecutive year of organising races in the capital.

Why the Return to the Full Marathon Distance?

Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Dansoman Keep Fit Club, Benjamin Ahulu, explained that the decision to return to the full marathon distance is part of a broader strategy to elevate the event's standard and attract top-tier talent.

For the past two years, we have focused on adding talents for the marathon. For that reason, we have been running the 15 kilometres to 21 kilometres. This year we are back to what we introduced in Ghana, that is the 42.2 kilometres, that is the full marathon,

Ahulu said.

What Is the New Marathon Route in Accra?

The marathon will start and end at the iconic Independence Square, with a route that takes runners through some of Accra's most recognisable landmarks. This is a deliberate move to open the event to more parts of the city.

According to Ahulu, the route will pass through Osu Cemetery, Ridge Hospital, the Nima Highway, 37, the Airport area, East Legon, Abedi Pele Street, American House, the Flowerpot Flyover, Spintex Road, Teshie, the Kofi Annan Centre, Osu and back to Independence Square.

The start point and the finishing point has also been changed as well, and a lot more improvements,

he added, noting that after 34 years of hosting the marathon in Dansoman, it is time to take the race to other parts of Accra.

Finisher Medals for All Eligible Runners

In a move designed to reward participation and encourage more people to take part, organisers have announced that every athlete who completes the race within the official cut-off time will receive a medal.

We want to reward every athlete that crosses the finishing line. So, every athlete is going to have a medal. Apart from the big prizes for the top runners, we're also going to have a medal for every athlete that finishes the race,

Ahulu said.

Three Race Categories: Premier, Rising Stars and Open

The event will feature three distinct categories to cater to different levels of runners:

• Premier Race: The full 42.2-kilometre marathon for professional athletes competing for top prizes.
• Rising Stars Race: A 10-kilometre race for young athletes, organised in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES).
• Open Race: Open to the general public, encouraging mass participation.

The Rising Stars Race is particularly close to the organisers' hearts, as it serves as a talent pipeline for future international stars.

We collaborate with the Ghana Education Service... We have the primary school, the JSS and the SHS. We bring them together for this race, and through this we are able to attract talents, we are able to train them and are able to rise as international stars,

Ahulu explained.

What Are the Prizes and International Opportunities?

While the exact prize amounts are yet to be finalised, Ahulu confirmed that the prize package will include cash rewards and, more importantly, sponsorship for selected athletes to compete in international competitions.

The prize package is going to be cash... we're also going to sponsor athletes to international events and for us, that is the beauty of our prize package. Our very last three years we sponsored the top athletes to the Cape Town Marathon, and that is how you develop an athlete,

he said.

How Many Participants Are Expected?

Organisers are projecting a significant turnout this year, with at least 5,000 athletes expected to participate, up from more than 4,000 last year. The breakdown includes approximately 3,000 participants for the Rising Stars Race, 1,000 for the Premier Race and 1,000 for the Open Race. Including volunteers and officials, the total number of people involved in the event could reach about 8,000.

This year's marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration of Accra's spirit, a platform for young talent and a testament to the power of sport to bring people together. As the Dansoman Keep Fit Club marks its 35th marathon, the message is clear: Ghana is ready to go the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the FNB Accra Marathon 2026?

The FNB Accra Marathon will take place on November 14, 2026, starting and ending at Independence Square.

How can I register for the marathon?

Registration details are expected to be announced by the Dansoman Keep Fit Club and FNB in the coming weeks. Interested participants should follow official channels for updates.

Will there be medals for all finishers?

Yes, every athlete who completes the race within the official cut-off time will receive a finisher medal, in addition to prizes for top performers.