The KGL Foundation Millennium Marathon is stepping up efforts to secure international recognition, with the 2026 edition set to be monitored by World Athletics as organisers seek to position the race on the global athletics calendar.
The 11th edition of the competition will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with organisers describing the event as an important step towards meeting the requirements for international recognition.
KGL Foundation Millennium Marathon General Manager, Ernest Buamah, said the involvement of World Athletics would provide an opportunity for the organisers to demonstrate that the Ghanaian race can meet the standards required for international competition.
Speaking on Guide Radio’s Guide Sports Xtra, Mr Buamah said the organisers were committed to delivering a well-organised and secure event capable of attracting greater international attention.
The main race will cover 21 kilometres, while a separate five-kilometre event will cater for social runners, corporate groups, churches and students.
He said comprehensive security and support arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth experience for participants and spectators.
The Ghana Police Service, Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Ghana Red Cross Society, KGL, Verna Mineral Water and other partners are expected to support the event.
The race will start from the Osu Shell Filling Station and end at the Independence Square Grounds, where participants and spectators will converge for the closing activities.
Beyond the international recognition objective, the organisers are using financial incentives to attract strong competition and encourage greater Ghanaian participation.
The winner of the 2026 marathon will receive GH¢70,000, a medal and a certificate of participation, while the second- and third-placed finishers will receive GH¢50,000 and GH¢30,000 respectively.
The first Ghanaian to cross the finish line will also receive GH¢10,000 as an additional incentive to encourage local athletes to compete strongly.
Mr Buamah urged prospective participants to register early and join the race, saying the event was designed to promote healthy living and increase mass participation in athletics.
The organisers believe that continued improvements in the organisation and standards of the Millennium Marathon could help establish Ghana as a stronger destination for road racing and eventually secure a place for the competition on the international athletics calendar.
