The Accra half and full marathon

On 25 Sep we had a number of people over for dinner to carb up on pasta before the big race. There was a German couple, both injured and out of the race. There were three other half marathon runners from embassy, and Ahni. Lastly, there were three Marines, the guys who pull security for our embassy, two of which had signed up for the full marathon that very week so had done no training for the event...ouch!

We awoke early and carpooled down with three couples in two vehicle. Due to various problems, I couldn't run, and Lisha, the wife of our Navy doc, were the paddy wagons, ready with water, juice, bananas, and support along the route. The race was to start at 0530 in Tema, somewhat near the port.

Unfortunately, the race did not begin until nearly an hour later, but that didn't stop Ahni and our friend Jeff from leaving early, bound and determined to beat the heat, traffic, exhaust fumes, and mass of people. Lisha and I took off shortly thereafter to scout out the route. We found a confusing intersection and camped out waiting for Ahni and Jeff to arrive, bound to make sure they took the correct route since it wasn't well mark. It later became obvious that they were way overdue or had taken an alternate route. I asked the previous checkpoint where there were Ghanaians manning a waterpoint and they said the "obrunis" (whites) went down the wrong road. Of course they didn't mention they tried to stop them and send them the right way. Lisha and I searched far and wide and could not find them. Meanwhile, the half marathon had begun and our other charges were following the pack ahead of them, not blazing new trails. I found a backway to the Teshie beach road and kept driving hoping the two had found the same road and were well ahead of the rest. Luck was with them, and me.

There was ample water along the way but Lisha and I stopped to provide moral support. It was a long grueling course but the four half marathoners all made it within two and a half hours. The race finished in the Labadi beach area.

The Marines finished the race in 5.5 and 6 hours, respectively. Now they are older, wiser, and able to boast completing the Accra Marathon. One recently told us he plans to run the Marine Corps Marathon in DC next year, but this time he is going to train for it! But we are most proud of our own Ahni Turner having run some extra distance and still with a good time and smile on her face as she crossed the finish line!