Osimpam Marathon Fixed for April 26
The second edition of the prestigious Osimpam Half Marathon is fixed for Saturday, 26 April 2025. The event is scheduled to take place in Winneba, Central Region.
The Osimpam Marathon is part of the great Osimpam Festival being celebrated by the people of Effutus in Winneba every year.
History of the Osimpam Festival
The Effutu people of Ghana celebrate their migration from Western Sudan to the town of Winneba with the Aboakyer Festival, also known as the Aboakyer Deer Hunt Festival.
Origins.
When the Effutu people, who were among the first people to establish in Ghana, moved to Winneba with their god Penkye Otu, the festival got its start. They asked the gods for a suitable sacrifice to express their gratitude.
Sacrifice of humans.
The royal family soon became uneasy about the god’s first request for a human sacrifice.
Sacrifice of a deer/lion
The god then demanded a lion sacrifice, but numerous people died because the animal had to be captured alive and handled with only bare hands.
Sacrifice of a leopard.
Eventually, the people petitioned for a different kind of sacrifice, and the god demanded that a live leopard be offered at his shrine.
The sacrifice of Bushbuck.
Eventually, bushbuck hunting replaced the leopard hunt as a sacrifice because it was too risky.
Festival-related activities.
The festival features a canoe race between two Asafo companies and a bushbuck hunt by the two companies. The paramount chief and his subchiefs then wait for the first company to return with the bushbuck.
- Origins: The Osimpam Marathon was first organised as part of efforts to promote sports, health, and tourism in Winneba, the Central Region. The initiative sought to attract both local and international participants and elevate Osimpam’s recognition as a destination for sporting events.
- Growth and Popularity: Over time, the marathon has become a key sporting event in the Central Region, drawing attention from athletes across Ghana and beyond. It is held annually and features various categories of races in the half marathon.
- Promotion of Health and Fitness: The half marathon has also been an essential tool for raising awareness about fitness, healthy living, and sportsmanship in the region. It encourages local participation and brings people together to celebrate both athleticism and community spirit.
- Challenges: Like many grassroots marathons, the Osimpam Marathon has faced challenges such as limited funding, infrastructure, and media attention. However, it has continued to be a highlight of the local sports calendar and a source of pride for the community.