More than 1,000 athletes in the Ashanti Region are expected to compete for honours in this year’s “Millennium Marathon” at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The 10.5-kilometre event comes off this Saturday, May 14, and it is being organised by the Millennium Sports Authority with support from the United Nations (UN) as part of moves to promote health, tourism and culture.

It would provide the opportunity for selection of deserving athletes for the impending international marathon to be held in Accra.

Mr. Osei Poku, Deputy Regional Coordinating Director and a member of the Planning Committee, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kumasi said the first 10 top athletes in the competition would receive cash prizes.

Professional and student-athletes, members of keep fit clubs and representatives of the Ghana Paralympic Association, would participate in the long-distance running event.

Mr. Osei Poku said the committee was working closely with the police, National Sports Authority, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Red Cross Society and some other paramedics for the successful organisation of the competition.

“The region abounds in athletics talents and such competitions are therefore critical to harness these talents.”

This year’s event coincides with the implementation of the Professional Athletes Programme - a project to support Ghanaian long-distance runners to train and compete in high-profile marathon events.