By Mackie M. Jalloh
Freetown is gearing up for one of its most anticipated sporting events as the Africell Marathon returns for its fourth edition on 7th December 2025. What began as a simple community run has now evolved into one of Sierra Leone’s largest fitness gatherings—uniting professional athletes, first-time runners, fitness enthusiasts, and families from across the country. This year’s edition promises to be the most exciting yet, with bigger prizes, wider participation, and stronger community engagement.
As the countdown begins, the atmosphere in Freetown is already buzzing with anticipation. The Africell Marathon is more than a race—it is a celebration of endurance, unity, and national pride. Organized through the Africell Impact Foundation, the event has carved out a unique space in the country’s sporting calendar, promoting health, community spirit, and youth empowerment. Over the past three years, thousands have taken part, turning the streets of Freetown into vibrant corridors of energy, music, and shared achievement.
This year’s marathon is expected to draw an even larger crowd as Africell announces an impressive lineup of cash prizes for the top three male and female winners across all categories. The Half Marathon winners will take home NLe17,500, NLe10,000, and NLe7,500 respectively. The 10km category offers NLe12,500, NLe7,500, and NLe5,000, while the 5km winners will receive NLe7,500, NLe5,000, and NLe2,500.
Beyond the financial rewards, the marathon carries significant symbolic value. It encourages healthy living in a period when lifestyle diseases are rapidly increasing. It also gives young athletes a platform to showcase their talent, compete at a national level, and potentially inspire careers in sports. Community groups, fitness clubs, and even schools use the event as a rallying point for motivation and unity.
Participation this year has been made even more accessible. Registration for the 5km and 10km races is completely free. Interested runners can simply dial *227# and follow the prompts to secure a spot. For the Half Marathon, participants pay NLe150—but Africell adds a rewarding bonus: runners who complete the Half Marathon registration receive 1GB of free data. This incentive underscores Africell’s continued commitment to blending community engagement with technological access.
The marathon also boosts local business activity, with hotels, food vendors, transport operators, and event coordinators benefiting from the influx of participants. It serves as a tourism showcase as well, putting Sierra Leone’s capital on the map as a hub for regional sporting events.
As race day approaches, the call to action is clear: lace up your running shoes, gather your determination, and prepare to conquer the streets of Freetown. Whether you are running to win, running for fitness, or running for fun, the Africell Marathon invites everyone to be part of a growing tradition of athletic excellence.
This year’s edition promises not just a race, but an unforgettable experience of energy, community, and celebration.
