Africell Launches Fifth Freetown Marathon, Introduces Full Marathon Category
Marilyn King
Africell Sierra Leone has officially launched the fifth edition of the Freetown Africell Marathon, scheduled for December 6, 2026, with the introduction of a full marathon category as part of efforts to promote healthy living, develop athletics and showcase Sierra Leone’s tourism potential.
The launch brought together representatives of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA), National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, Street Child, sports organisations and the media at Africell’s headquarters in Freetown.
Speaking at the ceremony, Africell Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, said the introduction of the full marathon marked an important milestone in the event’s development, as the company seeks to elevate the competition to the international stage.
He explained that Africell had worked closely with Street Child and the Sierra Leone Athletics Association since the marathon began, acknowledging their technical expertise and continued support in making the event successful.
Gerjawi disclosed that this year’s full marathon would follow a different route, extending towards Tokeh, Lakka and Sussex, with the finish point expected to be before Tokeh Junction. He said the route was selected to accommodate the new distance and showcase other parts of Sierra Leone.
Africell’s Marketing Manager, Kamanda Koroma, said the fifth anniversary edition would feature the 5-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half-marathon and full-marathon categories, with increased prize money to encourage participation.
He said the 5K category would award NLe10,000 to the winner, NLe7,500 to the runner-up and NLe2,500 to third place. In the 10K category, the prizes would be Nle15,000, NLe10,000 and NLe5,000, respectively.
For the half-marathon, the first prize would be NLe20,000, followed by NLe12,500 and NLe7,500, while the full-marathon category would award NLe25,000 to the winner, NLe18,000 to second place and NLe10,000 to third place. The prizes apply equally to male and female competitors.
President of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone, Sahr Morris Jr., commended Africell for sustaining the competition over five years, describing consistency as an important quality in sports development. He urged sports journalists and media institutions to support the marathon and help raise its international profile.
Street Child Country Director, Kelfa Kargbo, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to the partnership, describing its relationship with Africell as longstanding and impactful. He encouraged the public to participate, sharing his own progression from the 5K to longer distances.
Meanwhile, SLAA Race Director Ibrahim Moses Kargbo said the association would provide technical support, noting that the marathon had the potential to attract international recognition. National Olympic Committee President Prince Vandy also praised Africell’s contribution to sports development.
Africell said registered participants would receive event kits, including T-shirts and bags, while the marathon would continue to promote fitness, family participation and community engagement.
The December 6 event is expected to bring together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public for the fifth anniversary celebration.
