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 participate across three race categories: the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K.
The event is open to professional athletes, seasoned runners, fitness groups, and first-time participants seeking a unique outdoor experience through the streets of Freetown. Registration is now open via *227# on any Africell SIM, with a deadline of Friday, 5 December. Race-pack collection will take place on Saturday, 6 December for Half Marathon runners, while 10K and 5K runners will collect theirs on race day.
Participation in the 10K and 5K races is free, while the Half Marathon carries a registration fee of NLe150. All registered runners will receive water, a T-shirt, and a participation certificate. Cash prizes will be awarded across all categories: NLe17,000 for Half Marathon winners (male and female), NLe10,000 for second place, and NLe7,500 for third. The 10K winner will receive NLe12,500, and the 5K winner NLe7,500.
Speaking at the launch, Africell’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kamanda Koroma, said the marathon has evolved from a simple concept into a major annual community event. He noted that last year’s edition attracted nearly 6,000 registrants, with more than 1,300 runners ultimately participating.
Koroma confirmed that the traditional race distances will be maintained and said the Half Marathon fee helps attract elite athletes. He added that the event hub will again be the Africell building on Bendus Drive, a central and accessible landmark for participants and spectators.
He emphasized that security, medical services, and race integrity remain top priorities, supported by the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA), the Ministry of Sports, SWASAL, the Sierra Leone Police, RSLAF, and the Red Cross. Koroma also invited businesses to participate as partners and vendors, noting that FAQs and public guides will be released immediately after the launch.
Francess Barnard, Secretary General of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), described the marathon as one of the country’s most impactful sporting events. She said it symbolizes unity, resilience, and national pride by bringing together athletes, amateurs, and families.
Barnard assured that SWASAL will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2025 race and encouraged runners to prepare adequately. She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with Africell to promote sports development and youth engagement nationwide.
Representing Street Child, Sulaiman Bobson Turay highlighted the organization’s long-standing support for marathons in Sierra Leone, particularly in Makeni, where Africell has consistently contributed. He said the Freetown event helps extend Street Child’s impact on vulnerable children through safe, reliable cash transfers enabled by Afrimoney. He confirmed that Street Child’s marathon team is fully prepared to participate.
Dalton, Head of Media at the Sierra Leone Athletics Association, said SLAA has deployed its technical team to support preparations. He emphasized the association’s role in ensuring athlete safety, route management, course marking, and compliance with global athletics standards. Dalton relayed calls from athletes and coaches for increased prize amounts compared to last year. He also thanked Africell for supporting SLAA’s Boxing Day sports events, now marking their 99th edition, and expressed hope for continued collaboration ahead of the 100th anniversary.
Africell CEO Shadi Al-Gerjawi said the marathon initiative began with guidance from Street Child and has since expanded through partnerships with SLAA, SWASAL, the police, and the Red Cross. He said Africell aims to attract international participation and firmly position Sierra Leone on Africa’s marathon map.
Al-Gerjawi noted that the dedicated website, africellmarathon.com, now serves as a regional platform for marathon events across Africell markets in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and the DRC. He added that the event aligns with national tourism campaigns such as “One Week in Salone.”
He further announced plans to upgrade the Freetown event to a full 42 km marathon by its fifth anniversary in 2026, acknowledging the increased logistical demands associated with the extended route.
Al-Gerjawi concluded by expressing confidence that this year’s turnout will surpass previous editions and reaffirmed Africell’s commitment to health, youth empowerment, community engagement, and national pride.
The 2025 Freetown Africell Marathon will start and finish at Lumley Beach, with thousands expected to line the route in support of the runners. Africell and its partners say all systems are in place to deliver a safe, competitive, and memorable race day for Sierra Leone.
