The 2025 KGL Foundation Millennium Marathon recorded a historic turnout with Kenyan athletes recording a clean sweep of medals in both the men’s and women’s events on Saturday morning.
The historic marathon also served as a mega event to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the KGL Foundation, the CSR arm of the KGL Group.
The event included a 21km long race and a 5km short race for both men and women. The two races were contested by athletes from predominantly Ghana, and other top long-distance runners from other parts of Africa.
The race also saw a record number of athletes including professional athletes, casual runners, senior high school students, and notable dignitaries within the country compete not just for prizes, but also to boost fitness.
Both races began at the forecourt of Access Bank, Osu Oxford Street Branch as early as 5:30 am, with athletes competing in the 5km event, racing through the streets of Parliament House, through to the Ridge Roundabout to the National Theatre before finishing at the Black Star Square.
The 21km runners began at the same starting point, but used a much longer route through Cantoments and other parts of Accra before finishing at the Black Star Square.
Kenya maintained its reputation as the producer of the best long-distance runners with its athletes finishing first to third in both categories of the 21km race.
Gilbert Kiprotich grabbed gold with a time of 1:00:59, while his compatriots Alfred Cherunoi (1:01:04), and Paul Eyanae (1:02:12), finished second and third respectively.
In the 21km women’s marathon, Kenya’s Hympha Kiteta placed first with a time of 1:07:42. Lucy Ndambuki crossed the finish line with a time of 1:10:25 to place second while Eupke Muchiri finished third with a time of 1:13:00.
Ghana showed its prowess in the 5km race with its athletes dominating in both categories. Abotsi Daniel Gawuga, Emmanuel Kwatey, and Germain K. Dzorgbesi all finished first, second, and third respectively.
In the women’s category Anai Jennifer, Tuolong Rener, and Bramah Rabiatu, all grabbed gold, silver, and bronze respectively.
CEO of the KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey, extolled the success of the marathon while also acknowledging the growth of the Foundation as it celebrates its 5th anniversary.
“To be honest it’s been an amazing journey. I think we started from nothing really and then eventually we kind of started expanding. Currently, we [KGL Foundation] are now working in every single region of the country”, the CEO remarked on the foundation’s journey so far.
Speaking about the event, he added, “I knew it would be a big thing. I didn’t really see it becoming this big, it feels like something huge, not just in Ghana but even in Africa. We don’t really see such events too often, so it’s really been amazing to see the crowd and all the people joining the foundation to celebrate this milestone”.
The Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, represented at the event while racing in the 5km.
Speaking after the marathon, the NSA Director General lauded the efforts of the KGL foundation and the success of the marathon, assuring participants of a much bigger event in the coming years.
The winners of the various events were awarded trophies and cash prizes from the KGL Foundation.
The KGL Foundation, the CSR arm, and the heartbeat of the KGL Group continue to show love and affection to marginalized Ghanaian communities through Sports, Health, Arts and Culture, Youth Empowerment, and Educational programs.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Joel Acheampong
