Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon Unveils $4,000 Prize Package as Ghana Misses 2026 Ballon d’Or Shortlist

The 2025 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon has set a new benchmark for local athletics with the announcement of a substantial $4,000 winner's package, even as Ghana’s football community grapples with a total absence from the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations. While local marathoners prepare for the October 10 event at the Trust Sports Emporium, the global football stage has highlighted a perceived dip in Ghanaian talent at the elite level. Despite high expectations for Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo, no Ghanaian players were included in the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, marking a notable period of reflection for the nation’s footballing stature.

Organizers of the Accra Inter-City Marathon, Medivents Consult, revealed that the significantly increased prize pool is made possible through sponsorship by Tampico Ghana. The $4,000 winner’s package includes GHC 18,000 in cash and a $2,500 travel package for participation in an international marathon, representing a major upgrade from previous editions. Second and third-place finishers are set to receive GHC 10,000 and GHC 5,000 respectively, alongside various other awards. The event, which features both 21-kilometer and 5-kilometer races, is expected to attract a diverse field of elite athletes and amateur enthusiasts to the capital city.

On the administrative front, African sports governance is poised for growth with the appointment of Kenny Jean-Marie to the Advisory Board of the African Collaborations Group (ACG). Jean-Marie, the former FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure leading the FIFA Forward program and his previous roles within the Fédération Française de Football. His expertise is expected to drive ACG’s mission to develop sustainable sports and entertainment districts across the continent. This strategic move aligns with ambitious goals to expand Africa’s sports economy to a projected $20 billion by 2035, emphasizing infrastructure and governance as keys to unlocking the continent's potential.

In European football developments, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has provided insight into the club’s recent recruitment strategy, explaining the preference for Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford. Despite Rashford’s impressive contribution of 14 goals during a previous loan spell—which helped the club secure La Liga and Copa del Rey titles—Deco noted that Gordon was viewed as a more suitable fit for manager Hansi Flick’s tactical requirements. Meanwhile, in Italy, Juventus’s Nick Woltemade made headlines by becoming the first outfield player in 12 years to wear a long-sleeved jersey during a Serie A match, reviving a classic aesthetic that had been absent from the club's matchday wardrobe for over a decade.