Ultra-Marathon race set for Dec. 1

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - About 5,000 runners are expected to hit the streets of Accra on Saturday, December 1, for “the race for peace” ultra-marathon event.   The 50km event, put together by Runathon Ghana Foundation is to drum home the essence of peace and national unity ahead of the 2012 General Elections.   The event dubbed “All-out run, All-out peace” will see athletes commence the race at the Independence Square, through some principal streets like Liberia Road, Graphic Road, Kaneshie, Odorkor, Mallam Junction, Abeka Lapaz, Achimota, Nogahil, African Regent, 37, El-Wak, Burma Camp, Trade Fare, La, Labone, Danquah Circle, Adabraka, Wato Club, Department of National Lotteries, with the Independence Square as the final point.   Eric Adae, founder of Runathon Ghana Foundation, former long distance runner described the event as historic, saying “there has never been an ultra-marathon event on the soils of Ghana.   “Our choice of this distance of 50 km underscores the need for us all to go that extra mile in preserving and deepening national peace and unity as we go for the 2012 general elections.   “Running such a great distance will also give our long distance athletes the needed depth of aerobic base and fitness, to get faster in long distance events”. He stated.   According to Adae, prospective runners should be 18 years and above and can contact any CAL Bank nationwide for the registration forms for 20ghc.   He added that, foreigners resident in Ghana as well as non residents will be required to pay 100 dollars as registration fee.   At stake is a mouth watering prize of 5,000ghc for the ultimate winner with the second place picking home 3,000ghc whilst the third place takes a prize of 2000ghc.   Adae, noted that the event is expected to be attended by Ben Johnson, Canadian former 100 meters record holder and high ranking officials.   The Runathon Ghana Foundation is a non-governmental, sports development organization which seeks to focus attention on developing long distance events in Ghana.   The event will being sponsored by Phoenix Insurance and SBC Beverages Limited, manufactures of Pepsi, Mirinda and Aqua Splash Mineral Water.   Phoenix will be insuring all the runners, while SBC, the official beverage sponsors will refresh runners at every 3km during the race as well as offer guests their products at heavily discounted rates.   GNA... Read Full Story