The winner of this year's annual Millennium Marathon, scheduled for September 6, will pocket a mouthwatering GH¢75,000 for both men and women categories.

Additionally, runners-up of both divisions will also pocket a cool GH¢50,000, while 2nd runner-ups are assured GH¢30,000.

Also, on offer is a top-up of GH¢10,000 for any of the top-placed finishers who beat the competition record times at the finish line.

This was revealed following a formal launch by the Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams at the Accra Sports Stadium yesterday, during which a new logo was also unveiled to signify a reset and new beginnings of the competition, which began in 2015.

Organised by the Millennium Marathon Sports Company with KGL Foundation as official sponsors, the 11th edition of the 21 km race is expected to receive 12,000 participants from over 21 countries across the world, with its immeasurable economic and tourism impact emphasised by the sports minister.

Train hard

"I urge all the athletes to train hard, run clean and represent Ghana with pride. Yes, there are many great athletes from many great athletic countries coming, but don't be intimidated, the ministry stands with you and is committed to ensuring your welfare and access to competitive opportunities," he added.

Meanwhile, Bawah Fuseini, the President of Ghana Athletics who have sanctioned the race, revealed that runners partaking in the Millennium Marathon will use the chip timer, a significant step forward after also pushing successfully for a global recognition on the World Athletics calendar which ensures the ratification of all times and records set by athletes in Accra.

He also appealed to the sponsors on the need for an increase in the prize money to a minimum of $10,000 to the winners, as well as a prize pool covering for at least the top 100 finishers, in order to attain the WA labels stage.

This, he said, would also increase global participation in the Millennium Marathon to over 60,000 runners, which impact on the country's economy cannot be underscored.

"We have been working hard to get this event on the global calendar, and I can confirm to you that since last year and this year, it has been accepted and its results are internationally accepted. It can be used to compete in any international competition all over the world," the GA boss said.

"This marathon has the potential to reach the level of renowned marathons such as London, Boston and the rest." 

"The number of participants and their attendants coming to Accra will be a big boost for businesses, no doubt. We can then push for it to be recognised as one of the Olympic qualification tournaments in Africa. The potential is huge," Mr Bawah affirmed.