Defending champion Kassim Mohammed yesterday raced spiritedly to retain his title as the winner of the 28th Accra Milo Marathon in Accra.
The 2013 winner finished the 42.2 km race-from Nungua to the Dansoman Keep Fit Club in 2hrs 20mins to pick the mouth watering cash prize of ¢15,000, a giant trophy, a certificate and Milo souvenirs.
He thus joined the class of marathoners like five times champion David Zigah, Godwin Adukpo-four times-winner who won the prestigious race back-to-back.
Kassim, 31, in a post-event interview attributed his feat to hard work and dedication saying, “I trained very hard in Ghana, and had to travel outside the country at a point to sharpen all the edges ahead of the race.”
And explaining how he shrugged off the stiff challenge from the thousands of marathoners, he revealed that “I kept my composure throughout the race and was not afraid of anyone despite the big names I heard of before the competition.”
“I invested so much by way of preparation, and I hope that the sponsors-Milo will do likewise in my attempt to put Ghana on the World map.”
Following in second place was Joseph Yandal from the Ghana Police Service while Malik Yakubu from the Ashanti Region finished third. They ran home with ¢5,000 and ¢3,000 respectively as well as Milo products.
Interestingly, one of the pre-race favourites Godwin Adukpo, who promised a strong come back only managed a 10th position.
Less fancied Lariba Sadat from Upper East demonstrated brilliance to overshadow perennial performers- Millicent Boadi (2nd) and Elizabeth Bortsor (3rd) to dominate the female category.
It was 14-year-old Otoo David, who reigned supreme in the U-15 event after recording 58:29sec. Koogo Atia and Gati Elvis followed in that order.
A large crowd numbering close to 4000 people also participated in the 5km fun race. It represents the number of shoes Nestle Ghana Limited would donate to under privileged children across the country.
Managing Director of Nestle Ghana, Freda Duplan, commended all the participants for making the 28th edition a huge success. She pledged her outfit’s continued support for the country’s biggest single sporting event.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Afotey Agbo, who was the Guest Speaker, lauded the efforts of Nestle Ghana for their meritorious service in unearthing, developing and promoting sporting talents in the country.
The event was supported by Voltic Mineral Water and Met Insurance.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum