By Musa Paul Feika
Africell Sierra Leone has unveiled the fifth edition of the Freetown Africell Marathon, reaffirming its commitment to promoting healthy living, sports development, tourism and community engagement.
The launch took place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Africell’s headquarters on Pivot Street, Wilberforce Village, Freetown. The 2026 marathon is scheduled for December 6, with the introduction of a full marathon marking a major milestone in the event’s development.
Africell’s Event Manager, Nancy Touré, welcomed partners and stakeholders, describing the marathon as an initiative the company intends to sustain. She said the event had grown over the years and provided opportunities for professional athletes, amateur runners and members of the public to participate in physical exercise and recreation.
Touré stressed that Africell’s commitment extended beyond organising a sporting event, noting that the marathon was also a way of giving back to society, encouraging healthy lifestyles and strengthening the company’s relationship with the communities it serves.
Africell;s ief Executive Officer Shadi Al-Gerjawi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnerships, consistency and community development, highlighting the contributions of Street Child and the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA).
“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go further, go together,” he said, explaining that collaboration had been essential to the marathon’s growth.
Al-Gerjawi said Africell initially relied on the expertise of Street Child and the SLAA when it launched the event five years ago. While Street Child provided support and guidance, the athletics association offered technical advice on race organisation and route planning.
He explained that the decision to introduce a full marathon this year followed careful consideration of the technical and logistical requirements. Organisers have explored a new route towards Tokeh, Lakka and Sussex, with the final arrangements to be confirmed.
The CEO added that Africell hoped to position the marathon on the international athletics calendar, building on similar initiatives by its sister companies in The Gambia and Angola.
He also emphasised that the marathon was designed to promote fitness, recreation and social interaction, encouraging participants to train adequately before competing.
Street Child Country, Director Kefa Kargbo, described the partnership with Africell as strong and longstanding, reaffirming his organisation’s commitment to supporting the event.
He encouraged the public to embrace physical exercise, drawing on his personal experience of progressing from the 5-kilometre race to the 10-kilometre and half-marathon categories. He said his journey demonstrated the importance of determination, preparation and consistency.
Africell Marketing Manager Kamanda Koroma said the marathon had evolved beyond a sporting competition into a platform for promoting healthy living, community participation and tourism.
He announced increased prize money for the 2026 edition, with equal prizes for male and female competitors. In the 5K category, winners will receive 10,000, 7,500 and 2,500 for first, second and third places respectively. The 10K prizes are Nle15,000, 10,000 and 5,000; the half-marathon prizes are 20,000, Nle12,500 and Nle 7,500; while the full-marathon winners will receive 25,000, 18,000 and 13,000 respectively.
Koroma encouraged people from all walks of life to participate, whether to compete, improve their fitness or support friends and colleagues.
President of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASL), Sahr Morris Jr., commended Africell for maintaining the event over five years, describing consistency as an important quality in sports development.
He welcomed the announcement concerning the marathon’s anticipated international recognition and encouraged media organisations, sports journalists and other institutions to participate actively. Morris also highlighted the potential of the event to showcase Sierra Leone’s athletic talent and strengthen the country’s sporting reputation.
Representing the sporting community, Ibrahim Moses Kargbo also praised Africell’s contribution to sports development. He said the marathon could help identify promising athletes for further training and possible participation in international competitions.
Kargbo reaffirmed the commitment of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone and the SLAA to supporting Africell, particularly through technical guidance and talent development. He also highlighted the forthcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, as an opportunity to promote Sierra Leonean athletes and strengthen international sporting partnerships.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Jaria Bah, who expressed appreciation to partners, including Street Child Sierra Leone, the Africell Impact Foundation and the Sierra Leone Athletics Association, for their continued cooperation. She also wished the organisers and participants a successful marathon.