Koogo Atia wins 2026 FNB Accra Marathon as Kenyan Jerotich takes women’s crown

Koogo Atia, a 27-year-old student of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), produced a disciplined run to win the men’s elite race at the 2026 First National Bank (FNB) Accra Marathon on Saturday, clocking two hours, 28 minutes and 49 seconds at the Independence Square finish.

Atia, making his debut over the full 42.2-kilometre distance, received a GHC25,000 dummy cheque, products from sponsor Bel Aqua, and a sponsored trip to compete in the Cape Town Marathon in South Africa.

David Nakousi finished second in 2:33:35, with Ishmael Fialor third in 2:34:50. Nakousi took home GHC15,000, while Fialor received GHC10,000.

In the women’s elite race, Kenya’s Aida Jerotich won in 2:30:58, earning GHC25,000, sponsor products, and a Cape Town Marathon slot. Ghana’s Portia Anaba placed second in 3:00:13, with Beninois Ayade Collette third in 3:03:22. Anaba received GHC15,000 and Collette GHC10,000, both from FNB, plus sponsor products.

The event, which drew more than 10,000 people to Independence Square and its environs, featured the elite 42.2km race, a 10km open race, and a Rising Stars race for young athletes. Over 2,500 second-cycle students from the Greater Accra Region took part, and all competitors received participation medals.

This year’s marathon marked the first time in 35 years that the race was staged outside Dansoman, with organisers Dansoman Keep Fit Club (DKFC) relocating the start and finish to Independence Square.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, DKFC Chairman Benjamin Ahulu traced the race’s history to 1986, when it began through the meagre contributions of club members before attracting sponsors including SIC and Nestlé Ghana, which backed the popular Milo Marathon for over three decades. The event went on hiatus for about six years before FNB came on board to revive the Accra Marathon, now in its fourth year with the bank as lead sponsor.

“Crossing the finishing line is not the end of the race — it’s just the beginning of another journey,” Mr Ahulu said, announcing that the 2027 edition would be held around the same time next year and would come “bigger and better,” with the date to be announced soon.

He appealed to corporate Ghana for increased support, saying the financial burden was becoming overwhelming for the lead sponsor. “We need more money. The marathon is very expensive. You can see all the school kids here — almost 2,500 coming in. We need you to come in, support us,” he said.

Mr Ahulu, who was presiding over his last marathon as chairman after eight years in the role, said he was proud to be exiting “on this great note.”

FNB Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Inkoom said the bank was excited to be part of the event, stressing that its sponsorships are designed to impact the communities it serves. “We are happy to see schools here, we are happy to see corporate organisations here, we are happy to see individuals here,” she said.

She acknowledged the decision to change the venue after 35 years, describing Independence Square as “iconic — it speaks to the Ghanaian resilience and strength, which is a trait for a marathon race.”

Ms Inkoom thanked the other partners for their support, noting that hosting such an event is expensive, and urged more corporate organisations to join. “The benefit is that we are unearthing talent; we are discovering people who hitherto may not have wanted to run a marathon. And who knows, in a year, two, three, or four, we may be presenting an Olympic athlete. That is really what we are looking out to achieve in the long run,” she said.

She also commended the runners, sharing her own experience: “Two years ago, I tried to do the 10 [kilometres], and I finished it, though the next day I couldn’t get out of bed. So I just speak to what it takes to be able to run it. For all of you who started and finished, kudos to you.”

Organisers said they are working with Ghana Athletics to raise the Accra Marathon to international standards and attract more international runners, with the long-term vision of making it one of the best races in West Africa and on the continent.