Welcome to the General Information page for the Absa Black Star Marathon. Here, you’ll find essential details about all our races and resources to help runners and participants prepare for race day.
The open registration starts from May 1, 2025 and ends on July 12, 2025. Interested participants can register on this website. Successfully registered participants will receive regular updates before and after the events to ensure that you have a stress-free experience.
Runners registered for the 2025 Absa Black Marathon are required to follow the following rules and regulations:
By submitting your application, you are agreeing to enter into the event, pay the required fee for your race category (and according to whether you are a Ghanaian national or an international participant), participate on race day, abide by the rules and the Conditions of Entry, the event conditions, and any instructions provided by the officials of the Absa Black Star Marathon.
Participants are subject to the rules of the Ghana Athletics Association. Wheelchair athletes are subject to the rules of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana. If there are any conflicts between these rules and the Agreement, the Agreement shall take precedence).
The Absa Black Star Marathon reserves the right to change the course or make any alterations to the event deemed necessary. Such changes will be communicated to participants as soon as practicable.
The event may be televised, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and photographs may be taken, all of which may capture your participation in the event. All participants agree to the publication of such photographs, filming, recording, and broadcasts as their use by the organizer and those authorized by the organizer in any way deemed fit now or in the future, including but not limited to film, broadcast, radio, television, publications and publicity.
Only runners who paid the required registration fees in full and completed the races (going through all sections of the routes) are eligible to receive their cash prizes, medals, certificates, and other prizes.
Moreover, all participants must comply with the following provisions:
The 42.2 km marathon is a celebration of endurance, resilience, and community building in the marathon fraternity across the globe.
Entry into the race can be through any of the following channels:
The Absa Black Star Marathon offers a challenging and scenic route through Accra’s streets and past its most iconic landmarks. The course is designed to test the physical endurance of all participants while providing a beautiful backdrop of Accra’s rich cultural heritage. Runners will pass through bustling city streets and enjoy the coastal views along the way, making the race as visually captivating as it is challenging.
The Absa City Marathon 42.2k course starts and finishes at Independence Square.
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Absa Black Star Marathon, a world-class road race that spans the vibrant city of Accra. This prestigious event, marking a major milestone in the world of athletics, will feature professional runners across three categories: Men, Women, and Wheelchair Athletes. With a challenging course covering 42.2 kilometers, this marathon is not just a test of speed, but of endurance, strength, and the human spirit.
Men’s and Women’s Elite Races: Featuring some of the best marathon runners from around the world, these races will showcase the incredible athleticism and mental toughness required to conquer the full marathon distance. Whether they’re seasoned pros or rising stars, the runners will battle it out on Accra’s roads for a chance to leave their mark on history.
Wheelchair Professionals: In a true testament to the power of perseverance, wheelchair athletes will also compete, showing what true determination looks like. These athletes will push themselves to their limits, navigating the course with strength, skill, and incredible resilience.
The categories for this racing event include:
This year’s Absa Black Star Marathon race perfectly embodies the essence of every runner’s unique story—each one has a different reason for running, a different motivation, and different hurdles to overcome. Whether they are racing for a cause, chasing a personal best, or simply pushing their own limits, the marathon is a place where all stories are celebrated.
At the heart of this event lies a tribute to Marcus Garvey’s philosophy of the Black Star, a symbol of unity, resilience, and self-determination. Garvey, a prominent pan-Africanist and leader, envisioned the Black Star Line as a symbol of empowerment for people of African descent worldwide. This message is clear that, through unity, perseverance, and self-reliance, individuals and communities could overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
The Absa Black Star Marathon represents a convergence of individuals who embody Garvey’s vision. Every runner in this race is a testament to the power of personal strength and collective spirit. Just as Garvey believed in the importance of forging a path toward success through determination and unity, each athlete in the marathon shares a similar pursuit—whether it’s personal achievement, contributing to a cause, or achieving greatness against all odds.
Absa‘s commitment to inspiring individuals and empowering communities resonates deeply with this philosophy. Absa’s tagline, “Your Story Matters,” reflects Garvey’s belief that every individual has a unique and important story, and that those stories, when combined, create the power to change the world. Absa Black Star Marathon is not only celebrating athletic excellence but also championing personal achievement.
Endurance is key in this race. Every kilometer counts as runners push through fatigue, mental barriers, and the challenges of the road. It is not just about finishing the race, but about the journey that each participant takes to reach the finish line. From training to the final push, this marathon celebrates human strength, perseverance, and grit.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time spectator, the Absa Black Star Marathon is an event you won’t want to miss. For athletes, it’s a chance to test your limits on a world-class course. For fans and spectators, it’s an opportunity to witness the incredible stories of determination and achievement in real-time.
The marathon promises to be a day full of energy, excitement, and inspiration. Beyond the elite races, there will be a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment, local food, and a celebratory spirit as the city comes together to cheer on the athletes.
This is more than just a marathon; it’s a celebration of what it means to challenge yourself, to push beyond limits, and to come together as a community. The Absa Black Star Marathon is a historic event that will leave a lasting legacy for the city of Accra, for the athletes who participate, and for the people who witness it.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this spectacular event. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, the Absa Black Star Marathon is an experience that promises to inspire and unite.
The 10k Run/Walk is a celebration of endurance, resilience, and community building in the marathon fraternity across the globe.
Entry into the race can be through any of the following channels:
The Absa Black Star Marathon offers a challenging and scenic route through Accra’s streets and past its most iconic landmarks. The course is designed to test the physical endurance of all participants while providing a beautiful backdrop of Accra’s rich cultural heritage. Runners will pass through bustling city streets and enjoy the coastal views along the way, making the race as visually captivating as it is challenging.
Absa 10k Run/Walk: The course will start at the Independence Square. Runners will go through the Osu, Oxford Street, Cantonments, 37 Military Hospital, Independence Avenue, The Arts Center, and back to the Independence Square.
Elite Runners: The 10K will feature some of the finest athletes from across the world, showcasing incredible speed and endurance as they race through Accra’s streets.
Community Runners: Open to everyone, this category invites runners of all abilities to join the excitement, whether you’re a first-time participant or a seasoned runner.
Wheelchair Athletes: The 10K also includes wheelchair racers, demonstrating that true strength comes in many forms.
The categories for this racing event include:
This year’s Absa Black Star Marathon race perfectly embodies the essence of every runner’s unique story—each one has a different reason for running, a different motivation, and different hurdles to overcome. Whether they are racing for a cause, chasing a personal best, or simply pushing their own limits, the marathon is a place where all stories are celebrated.
At the heart of this event lies a tribute to Marcus Garvey’s philosophy of the Black Star, a symbol of unity, resilience, and self-determination. Garvey, a prominent pan-Africanist and leader, envisioned the Black Star Line as a symbol of empowerment for people of African descent worldwide. This message is clear that, through unity, perseverance, and self-reliance, individuals and communities could overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
The Absa Black Star Marathon represents a convergence of individuals who embody Garvey’s vision. Every runner in this race is a testament to the power of personal strength and collective spirit. Just as Garvey believed in the importance of forging a path toward success through determination and unity, each athlete in the marathon shares a similar pursuit—whether it’s personal achievement, contributing to a cause, or achieving greatness against all odds.
Absa‘s commitment to inspiring individuals and empowering communities resonates deeply with this philosophy. Absa’s tagline, “Your Story Matters,” reflects Garvey’s belief that every individual has a unique and important story, and that those stories, when combined, create the power to change the world. Absa Black Star Marathon is not only celebrating athletic excellence but also championing personal achievement.
Endurance is key in this race. Every kilometer counts as runners push through fatigue, mental barriers, and the challenges of the road. It is not just about finishing the race, but about the journey that each participant takes to reach the finish line. From training to the final push, this marathon celebrates human strength, perseverance, and grit.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time spectator, the Absa Black Star Marathon is an event you won’t want to miss. For athletes, it’s a chance to test your limits on a world-class course. For fans and spectators, it’s an opportunity to witness the incredible stories of determination and achievement in real-time.
The marathon promises to be a day full of energy, excitement, and inspiration. Beyond the elite races, there will be a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment, local food, and a celebratory spirit as the city comes together to cheer on the athletes.
This is more than just a marathon; it’s a celebration of what it means to challenge yourself, to push beyond limits, and to come together as a community. The Absa Black Star Marathon is a historic event that will leave a lasting legacy for the city of Accra, for the athletes who participate, and for the people who witness it.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this spectacular event. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, the Absa Black Star Marathon is an experience that promises to inspire and unite.
Black Star Marathon is the registered trademark or trademarks of Runathon Global Inc in the United States and/or other countries.