Ishmeal Arthur wins 2026 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon

Ishmeal Arthur of the Ghana Armed Forces emerged as the champion of the 2026 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon, finishing the 21-kilometer race with a time of 1:10:44.97. The event, which drew more than 2,000 participants to the capital, also saw Portia Anaba from the Ghana Police Service Training School secure the top spot in the women's division with a time of 1:23:01. Arthur navigated a competitive field of more than 1,000 runners in the men’s category to claim the title. He was followed by Kooga Atia and Ebenezer Martey, both from the University College of Education, Winneba (UEW), who finished in second and third place respectively. The presence of top-tier athletes from both the security services and academic institutions underscored the high level of competition at this year's race. As the winner of the half-marathon, Arthur was awarded a cash prize of GH₵18,000 and products from the lead sponsor, Tampico. In a significant boost to his career, Acadia Industries Limited also pledged to sponsor his participation in an upcoming international marathon. This incentive aims to provide local talent with the exposure necessary to compete at the highest levels of global distance running. The 2026 edition of the marathon was noted for its excellent organization and growing popularity within the athletic community. By providing a structured platform for long-distance runners, the event continues to play a vital role in identifying and rewarding endurance talent in Ghana. Organizers and sponsors noted that the success of the race reflects a commitment to promoting sports and healthy lifestyles across the country.