The event, which is the fourth of its kind, is expected to attract athletes from the length and breadth of the country to the Eastern Region to compete for the coveted prize for the best cross-country runner in the country.

At the launch in Accra yesterday, the NSA boss, Prof. Peter Twumasi, said this year’s competition was aimed at grooming marathon runners for the African Games to be hosted in Accra next year.

Prof. Twumasi explained that with the competition being backed by the GAA, was expected to certify times of athletes to be accepted by the World Athletics, formerly IAAF.

Prizes for top 3 winners

He revealed that the top three athletes would receive their medals and cash prizes at the Presidency after the event.

“We are focused on grooming these marathon runners for the African Games and we have the endorsement of the GAA to help achieve that,” he said.

“This means that all the times made by athletes will be certified by the GAA to be accepted by the World Athletics.”

The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda Constituency, Mr Alexander Akwasi Acquah, said they were ready to welcome the entire nation to the Eastern Region and pledged to sponsor the competition by providing medals and trophies for the winners.

“We are happy to host this year’s championship and I can tell you that I have accepted to take up the cost of medals and trophies of winners on the day,” Mr Acquah said.

The chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2023 African Games, Dr Kwaku Ofosu Asare, encouraged athletes to take the opportunity to shine and get a chance to compete in next year’s games.