Africell Sierra Leone has officially launched the fifth edition of the Freetown Africell Marathon, introducing a full 42.2-kilometre race for the first time as part of efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, nurture local athletic talent and position the competition as a major fixture on Sierra Leone’s sporting calendar.
Scheduled for December 6, 2026, the marathon will feature four race categories: 5 kilometres, 10 kilometres, a half marathon of 21.1 kilometres and a full marathon of 42.2 kilometres. The introduction of the full-distance race marks a significant milestone in the event’s development, providing experienced runners with a new challenge while broadening opportunities for participation.
The launch brought together officials of Africell and representatives of key sporting institutions, including Prince Vandy Swallay, President of the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE); Ibrahim Moses Kargbo, President of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association; and Sahr Morris Jr., representing the Sierra Leone Sports Writers Association (SWASAL). Representatives of Street Child Sierra Leone were also in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Africell Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, said the marathon was conceived to unite people through sport, encourage healthier lifestyles and provide local athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities.
“When we launched the Freetown Africell Marathon, the ambition was to create an event that would bring people together through sport, encourage healthier lifestyles and give our athletes another platform to demonstrate their abilities,” Gerjawi said.
He noted that the competition had recorded considerable progress since its inception, crediting the dedication of Africell’s team, partners and participants for its continued growth.
According to him, each edition has provided valuable lessons in route planning, coordination, safety, logistics and the overall experience of runners, enabling organisers to address shortcomings and improve subsequent editions.
Gerjawi also highlighted the growing interest in long-distance running across Sierra Leone, citing the Freetown Africell Marathon, Street Child’s longstanding work in Makeni and emerging marathon activities in Kenema as indications of the sport’s expanding reach.
He expressed optimism that the growing enthusiasm for long-distance running would encourage more communities to embrace athletics while creating opportunities for local runners to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
The Africell CEO emphasised that the company’s investment in sports extended beyond sponsorship, describing it as a commitment to people, particularly young people, and the opportunities that sporting activities could provide.
He explained that Africell also supports other sporting disciplines, including football, volleyball and basketball, through investments in volleyball facilities and initiatives, support for football activities, assistance to the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation and collaboration with NBA Africa.
Gerjawi further noted that the marathon was expected to encourage physical activity, strengthen sporting communities and contribute to tourism by attracting visitors, showcasing Freetown and creating business opportunities for local enterprises.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building on the achievements of previous editions while improving the experience of runners, spectators and partners.
As part of efforts to make the 2026 edition more competitive and attractive, Gerjawi announced that Africell would offer bigger and more appealing prizes across all four race categories.
However, he urged participants to select distances that matched their level of preparation, stressing that adequate training would be essential, particularly for those intending to compete in the longer races.
Representing SWASAL, Sahr Morris Jr. described the marathon’s recognition by World Athletics as a significant development that could enhance its international profile and attract elite runners to Sierra Leone.
He expressed confidence that the competition could eventually draw participants from across the world, noting that its growing visibility and international recognition presented an opportunity to establish Freetown as a destination for major road-running events.
“The Freetown Africell Marathon is recognised by the world athletics body. The fact that this is recognised means it is just a matter of time before we start seeing world athletes joining the Freetown Africell Marathon,” Morris said.
He called on journalists, media institutions and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to support the initiative through increased publicity and media coverage.
Morris assured that SWASAL remained committed to promoting the marathon as it continued to gain recognition within the international athletics community.
Meanwhile, Prince Vandy Swallay, President of the NOC/CGA-SLE, joined Africell and other stakeholders at the launch, highlighting the importance of collaboration between sporting institutions and private-sector organisations in advancing athletics and grassroots sports development.
According to the NOC/CGA-SLE, the marathon aligns with the Olympic Movement’s commitment to Sport for All and reflects Commonwealth sporting ideals of friendship, inclusion and mutual respect.
The organisation further noted that the competition presents an opportunity to nurture local athletic talent, promote sports tourism and showcase Sierra Leone to the international community.
It also expressed its readiness to collaborate with Africell and other stakeholders to harness sport as a catalyst for national development while strengthening the Olympic and Commonwealth sporting movements in Sierra Leone.
With the introduction of the full 42.2-kilometre race, the fifth edition of the Freetown Africell Marathon is expected to build on the event’s previous achievements, offering greater opportunities for runners while promoting public health, athletic excellence, tourism and Sierra Leone’s visibility on the international sporting stage.