01/04/2026
Abankese Festival Launches “Freedom Marathon – Race to Freedom” Connecting Elmina to Cape Coast
Cape Coast, Ghana – DECEMBER 24th 2026.
The organizers of the Abankese Festival have officially announced the launch of the Freedom Marathon – Race to Freedom, a landmark cultural and historical run set to take place on December 24, 2026, in Ghana’s Central Region.
The marathon will trace a powerful route from Elmina Chapel Square to Cape Coast Chapel Square, two historic locations deeply connected to the transatlantic slave trade. Participants will also cross the iconic London Bridge in Cape Coast, symbolizing a journey through memory, resilience, and renewal.
More than a sporting event, the Freedom Marathon is designed as a symbolic and emotional experience, inviting participants from Ghana and across the diaspora to engage with history in a meaningful and transformative way.
“This is not just a race—it is a movement,” said the organizers. “We are retracing a path that holds deep historical significance and transforming it into a journey of strength, unity, and remembrance.”
The event forms part of the wider Abankese Festival 2026, a cultural celebration that blends music, heritage, tourism, and community impact. A key feature of the initiative is its social responsibility component—every registration will support the festival’s Feed The Children program, which aims to provide meals and care for over 2,000 children.
The Freedom Marathon is open to both local and international participants, including members of the global African diaspora seeking a deeper connection to Ghana’s history and culture.
With growing global interest in heritage tourism and diaspora engagement, the Freedom Marathon positions Ghana as a leading destination for experiential and purpose-driven travel.
Event Details:
* Event: Freedom Marathon – Race to Freedom
* Date: December 24, 2026
* Route: Elmina Chapel Square → Cape Coast Chapel Square (via London Bridge)
* Location: Central Region, Ghana
* Participation: Open to local and international runners
About Abankese Festival
The Abankese Festival, themed “A Celebration of Us,” is an annual cultural experience that promotes Ghanaian heritage, un