Ghanaian Athletes Shine at the Third Edition of the ECOWAS-Abuja International Marathon
The third edition of the ECOWAS-Abuja International Marathon was successfully held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together elite athletes from across West Africa and beyond.
This prestigious event, organized as part of ECOWAS’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, was themed “Run for Unity and Integrity”, emphasizing regional cooperation, athletic excellence, and sportsmanship.
The marathon attracted over 1,000 athletes from various ECOWAS member states, all competing for glory in different race categories. The event featured two major races:
- 21km Half-Marathon – Beginning and ending at the ECOWAS Commission in Asokoro, Abuja.
- 5km Fun Run – Starting from Eagle Square and concluding at the ECOWAS Commission.
Impressive Performance by Ghanaian Athletes
Ghana was well represented in the competition, with its athletes putting up an impressive performance in both the 5km race and the 21km half-marathon.
In the male 5km race, Ghana Armed Forces track and field star Daniel Abotsi showcased his endurance and tactical brilliance, securing a third-place finish.
The half-marathon saw remarkable performances from Ghanaian long-distance specialists:
- Seidu Salifu finished fourth overall and clinched third place in the ECOWAS category, reaffirming his status as one of Ghana’s top distance runners.
- Koogo Atia, known for his unpredictable race strategies, put up a strong performance, finishing in eighth place overall.
- Basit Afful and Ishmael Arthur also fought hard, finishing 16th and 14th, respectively. Arthur, however, reported experiencing some abnormalities during the race, which may have affected his performance.
On the female side, Ghana Armed Forces Athlete Titi Rosina put up a commendable effort, securing 15th place in the highly competitive women’s category. The Ghanaian contingent was headed by Coach Clement Smith of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Winners and Prize Pool
The ECOWAS-Abuja International Marathon offered a lucrative prize pool of $71,000, with special incentives dedicated to West African runners to encourage regional athletic development.
Men’s 21km Race
- Champion: Harrison Muchira Wanjiru from Kenya secured first place, earning the $10,000 grand prize.
Women’s 21km Race
- The winner of the women’s 21km race also took home a $10,000 cash prize, celebrating an outstanding performance.
A Platform for West African Athletic Excellence
The ECOWAS-Abuja International Marathon continues to be a major sporting event on the African athletics calendar, providing a competitive platform for athletes to showcase their talents while promoting unity and solidarity within the West African region.
Ghanaian athletes have once again demonstrated their resilience and potential, and their strong performances at this year’s event serve as a motivation for the future of long-distance running in Ghana. With continued investment in athletics development, Ghana is poised to compete at the highest levels on the continental and global stage.
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