Prosper Koomson won the men’s race at the seventh edition of the Kwahu Mountain Marathon, edging former Ghana half marathon record holder Ishmael Arthur in a close finish.
Koomson, representing Arrows Athletics Club, crossed the line in 1 hour, 15 minutes and 03 seconds, finishing one second ahead of Arthur of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The two runners traded the lead for most of the race before Koomson surged clear in the final metres.
“I decided to match Arthur’s pace from the start because of his experience. He tested me at the final stage, but I didn’t give up,” Koomson said after the race.
Koomson would motivate him to intensify his training ahead of future competitions.
Arthur, who finished in 1:15:04s, said his preparation was strong but described the outcome as unexpected.
“I have been competing here for six years. This finishing surprised me, and I believe it won’t happen again,” he said, adding that the challenging terrain makes the race a benchmark for endurance runners.
Ayisi Godfred of Suhum finished third in 1:18:58s, followed by Emmanuel Amponsah of the Ghana Fire Service in 1:21:28s and Koligma Nabesame of the Oti Region in 1:24:50.
The women’s race was won by Portia Anaaba, who claimed her first major half marathon title.
Competing for All Nations Athletics Academy in the Ashanti region, Anaaba finished in 1:32:52 after pulling clear of teammate Christiana Asibi Mumuni in the latter stages.
Mumuni took second place in 1:35:17s, while Stephani Konlan of Arrows Athletics Club was third in 1:37:17s.
The marathon course, which passed landmarks including Rock City Hotel, is known for its steep climbs and scenic routes.
On the sidelines of the marathon, a cooking competition showcased some sumptuous Ghanaian delicacies.
The marathon organised by the Marathon Foundation Ghana in collaboration with the Kwahu Traditional Council was supported by Franko, Yopoo Clean and Promasidor Ghana, producers of Onga, Twisco, Cowbell, among others.
