Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Accra International Marathon is Ghana's leading road race, a coastal course through the West African capital set against the warm Atlantic shoreline. The largely flat terrain is fast by profile, though the equatorial heat and humidity make pacing and hydration the central concern throughout. A smaller and more grassroots event than the continent's biggest races, it carries a welcoming, community-driven spirit. The flat roads suit steady effort, with the climate setting the limits rather than the gradients. It suits adventurous runners drawn to an authentic, off-the-beaten-path African race over fast times or big crowds.
Course Insight
Accra is a hot, humid coastal marathon on a largely flat course, where tropical conditions rather than terrain set the difficulty. Go out conservatively, hydrate early, and expect goal pace to soften as the sun rises. The level seaside route offers no natural brakes. Local support is warm and lively. Pace for the climate and the flat profile rewards the disciplined.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills, challenging typical weather.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 225m
- Elevation loss
- 230m
- Highest point
- 37m
- Lowest point
- 7m
- Net elevation
- -5m
- Start
- Teshie Road
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Race History
The Accra International Marathon was established in 2007 as Ghana's leading road race, a coastal event along the warm Atlantic shoreline of the West African capital. A smaller, more grassroots race than the continent's biggest events, it built a welcoming, community-driven character despite the equatorial heat. From its founding it offered an authentic, off-the-beaten-path African racing experience. It remains a characterful destination for adventurous runners drawn to the Ghanaian coast.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Kotoka International Accra (ACC)
- Best area to stay
- Osu for lively central stays near the route, the Airport Residential Area for upscale modern hotels, and Labadi by the coast for beachside options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is on Teshie Road near the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC); take a taxi to the start early, as transit is limited.