By Hassan Lansana Koroma
Street Child, in collaboration with Africell Sierra Leone, has officially launched the 12th edition of the Sierra Leone Marathon and Cycle Challenge 2025.
The event is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, April 30th, in Makeni, Bombali District. The launch takes place at the Africell Headquarters in Wilberforce village. The race is a significant move to maintain a healthy balance and help Street Child for better community development.
Alhaji Mansaray, Media Relations Department, Africell, said they were happy to partner with Street Child, adding that they are always committed and very intentional about their support to Street Child Sierra Leone.
A brief background of this year’s marathon was given by Mark Maugham and Alusine Kanu, who cited from various race options, including, full marathon (42.195 km),half marathon (21 km),10 km run,5 km run, and 75 km Cycle Challenges.
He said the marathon routes will take participants through tropical jungles and local villages, showcasing the stunning scenery of Northern Sierra Leone.
He said the event will not only offer a physical challenge but will also support Street Child’s mission to ensure children are safe in school.
He said for those interested in participating, various accommodation packages are available to suit different preferences.
Additionally, he said a celebrating beach extension at Tokeh Beach will be offered as a post-race for participants to relax and reflect on their experience.
He said the marathon is recognized as a unique international event having been voted ‘Best International Event’ at the 2017 Running Awards.
The Marketing Director of Afrimoney, John Konteh, acknowledges the relationship Africell has with Street Child. He said Afrimoney provides a solution on how to secure their financial space by providing an electronic payment to participants.
He explained about how to register for the marathon, through the Machan platform with a code number 76081.
He said participants should register using *161*4#.
A comprehensive analysis on Street Child Sierra Leone was given by the Country Director, Kelfa Kargbo, who congratulated Africell for their sponsorship and rebranding.
Kargbo said he is proud of their efforts, having started operations in December 2008, and now has nearly 300 staff across the country.
He said they have created jobs for Sierra Leoneans and that they are operating in 22 countries across the globe.
He said their main focus is improving access to education, not only in primary schools, but also in junior secondary schools, to enable children speak better English.
Director Kargbo disclosed that they are undertaking a new project to construct 30 schools and later hand them over to the government.
