Alhaji Mohammed Kassim on Saturday put up a splendid performance to emerge winner of the 27th edition of the Accra Milo Marathon despite grueling challenge from last year winner, Alex Kimeli.
Kimeli who won the event last year, looked to have a comfortable lead approaching the finish line, but Kassim closed incredibly strongly and Kimeli could not hold
2hrs 27 min 43seconds was what Kassim needed to romp home with victory and the GHS12,000 prize at stake after five unsuccessful attempts.
Kimeli, who is from Kenya settled for the second position with a time of 2hr 31min 10 seconds and went home with GHS8,000.
Akakiya Atampuri placed third with a time of 2hr 31min 24seconds and received GHS6,000.
Kassim’s time qualifies him for next year’s Commonwealth games in Scotland, organisers disclosed.
For the women, Elizabeth Bortsor worked tirelessly to retain her enviable title after finishing with a time of 2hrs 58min and 11seconds followed by Millicent Boadi and Gifty Ama Abbey with a time of 3hr 4minutes 5 seconds and 3hrs 5minutes 10seconds.
Ishmael Arthur won in the boys Under 15 category followed by Yussif Malik and Kweku Nsefusi, both of the Northern Region, while Lariba Sakat also defended the girls’ category followed by Saraphina Adombila and Sandra Sagbil.
The winner for the Under 15 took away GH¢2000 with the first and second runners-up receiving GH¢1,500 and GH¢800.
About 8,000 athletics participated in the marathon which was under the theme: “Meet the Champions”.
