By Heroes Media Desk
Africell Sierra Leone has officially launched the fourth edition of the Freetown Africell Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, 7 December 2025. Thousands of runners are expected to compete across three categories: the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K.
The event is open to professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, running clubs, and first-time participants eager to experience Freetown’s vibrant streets. Registration is now open by dialing *227# on any Africell SIM and closes on Friday, 5 December. Half Marathon race packs will be collected on Saturday, 6 December, while 10K and 5K participants will collect theirs on race day.
Entry for the 10K and 5K races is free, while the Half Marathon attracts a registration fee of NLe150. All runners will receive water, a T-shirt, and a certificate. Cash prizes will be awarded across all categories, with the Half Marathon winners (male and female) taking home NLe17,000 each. Second and third place will receive NLe10,000 and NLe7,500 respectively. Winners of the 10K and 5K will receive NLe12,500 and NLe7,500.
Speaking at the launch, Africell’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kamanda Koroma, said the marathon has grown into a major community event. Last year, nearly 6,000 runners registered, with more than 1,300 participating.
Koroma confirmed that the Africell Building on Bendus Drive will serve as the event hub once again. He highlighted the roles of key partners including the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA), Ministry of Sports, SWASAL, Sierra Leone Police, RSLAF, and the Red Cross in ensuring safety, integrity, and medical support.
Francess Barnard, Secretary-General of SWASAL, described the marathon as a symbol of unity, resilience, and national pride. She reaffirmed SWASAL’s commitment to offering full media coverage and supporting youth engagement in sports.
Representing Street Child, Sulaiman Bobson Turay applauded Africell’s long-standing support for marathons in Sierra Leone, especially in Makeni, and said their partnership continues to benefit vulnerable children through secure cash-transfers via Afrimoney.
Dalton, Head of Media at SLAA, revealed that the association’s technical team is already deployed to support route management and compliance with global standards. He echoed athlete calls for increased prize amounts and thanked Africell for supporting the SLAA’s historic Boxing Day sports event.
Africell CEO, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, noted that the marathon, initially started with the support of Street Child has grown through strong partnerships with SLAA, SWASAL, security agencies, and the Red Cross. He announced that Africell plans to upgrade the race to a full 42 km marathon by 2026.
He emphasized that the marathon has now become a regional brand through the africellmarathon.com platform, covering races in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and the DRC, and aligning with tourism drives like One Week in Salone.
The 2025 Freetown Africell Marathon will begin and end at Lumley Beach, where thousands of spectators are expected to cheer runners along the route. Africell says preparations are in full swing to ensure a safe, competitive, and memorable race day.
Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions or questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Follow Us:
