By Nenneh Fofanah
Freetown, 24th September 2026- Africell Sierra Leone and Street Child officially launched the 13th Edition of the Sierra Leone Street Child Marathon, scheduled to take place in Makeni on Sunday, 25th October 2026.
The launch ceremony brought together representatives from Street Child, Africell, and the Sierra Leone Athletics Association.
The marathon will feature four categories: 5K, 10K, 21K Half Marathon, and 42K Full Marathon, with all routes starting at Solia Street in Makeni and ending at Wusum Field/Stadium.
Speaking at the launch, Africell Sierra Leone Media Manager, Abdul Karim Sesay, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Street Child, noting that the partnership has supported vulnerable children and communities while amplifying children’s voices and promoting education and development.
He described the marathon as more than a sporting event, but a clear manifestation of care for vulnerable children, their education and empowerment. He announced that Africell will provide enhanced support this year, including technical, media and graphic design support, and will field a larger team of staff to participate in Makeni.
Street Child Sierra Leone Country Director, Emmanuel Kelfa Kargbo, said the marathon is a platform to showcase the organization’s work, disclosing that Street Child is nearing completion of 55 schools nationwide. He revealed that over 1,000 participants had already registered before the official launch and encouraged people of all ages and abilities to take part, noting that those unable to run could walk.
National Race Director of the Sierra Leone Athletics Association, Ibrahim Moses Kargbo, commended Street Child for its consistency and described the marathon as a vital platform for promoting athletics and nurturing talent.
He shared how two athletes he coached – Georgiana Sesay and Edward Sesay – started at the Street Child Marathon in 2017. Georgiana finished third in the 5K before becoming a champion and later representing Sierra Leone at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, while Edward finished third in the 10K and went on to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games.
Afrimoney Marketing Director, John Konteh, said the event promotes healthy living, networking, and support for children’s education, and outlined the registration process via Afrimoney: Dial*161*4#, enter Merchant Code 760817, select your category and amount – 5K (Le 40), 10K (Le 50), Half Marathon (Le 60), Full Marathon (Le 75) – and enter your PIN to confirm. He noted that a transaction ID will be generated after payment, which participants must save or screenshot to collect their race kits at designated Street Child locations in Makeni.
