FREETOWN, OCT. 16th (SALONE TIMES) –
By Marilyn King
Africell Sierra Leone has officially launched the fifth edition of the Freetown Africell Marathon, scheduled for December 6, 2026, introducing a full marathon category as part of efforts to promote healthy living, develop athletics and showcase Sierra Leone’s tourism potential.
The launch ceremony brought together representatives of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA), the 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 described the introduction of the full marathon as an important milestone in the event’s development, saying the company aims to elevate the competition to the international stage.
He said Africell had worked closely with Street Child and the SLAA since the marathon’s inception, acknowledging their technical expertise and continued support in ensuring its success.
Gerjawi disclosed that the full marathon would follow a new route extending towards Tokeh, Lakka and Sussex, with the finish line expected to be located before Tokeh Junction. He said the route had been designed to accommodate the longer distance while showcasing other parts of Sierra Leone.
Africell Marketing Manager Kamanda Koroma said the fifth-anniversary edition would feature four categories: the 5-kilometre race, 10-kilometre race, half-marathon and full marathon. He added that increased prize money was intended to encourage greater participation.
In the 5K category, the winner will receive NLe10,000, while the runner-up and third-place finisher will receive NLe7,500 and NLe2,500, respectively. The 10K category will offer NLe15,000 to the winner, NLe10,000 to the runner-up and NLe5,000 to the third-place finisher.
For the half-marathon, the prizes will be NLe20,000 for first place, NLe12,500 for second place and NLe7,500 for third place. The full-marathon category will offer NLe25,000 to the winner, NLe18,000 to the runner-up and NLe10,000 to the third-place finisher. The prize amounts will be the same for male and female competitors.
President of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone, Sahr Morris Jr., commended Africell for sustaining the competition over the past five years, describing consistency as essential to sports development. He urged sports journalists and media organisations to support the event 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 members of the public to participate, sharing his own progression from the 5K race to longer distances.
Meanwhile, SLAA Race Director Ibrahim Moses Kargbo pledged the association’s technical support, noting that the marathon had the potential to attract international recognition. National Olympic Committee President Prince Vandy also commended Africell for its contribution to sports development.
Africell said registered participants would receive event kits, including T-shirts and bags. The marathon is also expected to continue promoting fitness, family participation and community engagement.
The December 6 event is expected to attract athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public as the Freetown Africell Marathon celebrates its fifth anniversary with an expanded race programme.
