Personnel of the Ghana Navy were the toast of running fans who defied the rains on Saturday morning in the capital city of the Western Region, Takoradi to witness the last Regional Millennium Marathon for 2015 as “birthday boy” Raja Lagble won the 10.5 kilometer race with ease in 34.16 minutes.

The AD2 of the Ghana Navy who celebrated his 25th birthday and dedicated the day to God said he is looking forward to cause a surprise in Accra on Saturday, September 5. He took home a Plasma TV set and the opportunity to represent the Western Region in the grand International Race. He said the Ghana Armed Forces have many great athletes who can make the nation proud in Sports.

Godwin Oduro was second with Mawuli Ekpe coming third position and they got prizes of a Gas Cooker and Fridge respectively. Solomon Kwofie and Anthony Yim are selected to join the Regional Team.

In the female category, Anoeni Regina 23 from the Ghana Navy ran the fastest time of 42.13 minutes. Her mate Abramani Barika also of the Navy came second at 43.44 minutes while Elizaberth Ewusie came third at 44.11 minutes. They were rewarded with Plasma Tv, Gas Cooker and Microwave Oven respectively.

Other ladies who tried to register themselves as potential winners were Florence Narkotey, Jaqueline Bludo and Naomi Awuku. All of them showed splendid sportsmanship and comradeship before, during and after the event.

The Deputy Western Regional Minister Hon. Ekow Gyan aka Abbot congratulated all participants who reported very early in the cold morning and run in the drizzling rains. He commended the organizers and urged them to continue the revolution to support Ghanaians practice a healthy lifestyle.

Director at the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Victor Xola Senaya advised the marathoners to show sportsmanship and also be concerned about the cleanness of the environment. He praised the Millennium Marathon Sports Ltd for coming out with the laudable idea of exercising through a sports competition and socializing.

Other dignitaries who grace the day were Mr. Seth Agyin, a Director at the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Brestford Amui, Regional Sports Development Officer of the Region and Regional Sports Directors from Educational Institutions. Dennis Baffour Awua, Data Manager of Airtel Ghana, the major sponsor of the first international marathon in Ghana assured Ghanaian that the event will live up to its billing and Saturday September 5 would be remembered in the history of Ghana Athletics.

He commended loyal users of the network with the realistic services and hinted that very soon the service will be enhanced.

Meanwhile, preparations are under way for the Health & Fitness Expo that comes off at the Aviation Social Center from August 29 to September 4, 2015 where sponsors, partners and stakeholders of the Millennium Marathon will exhibit and exposed some of their wares and services.

These include 200 vendors with latest sporting equipment and leading fitness apparel brands as well as nutritional foods, celebrity fitness training, expert training zone, nutritional advice, networking, industrial lounge and more.

Registered participants are supposed to collect their running kits at the Expo.

Registration costs 10ghc with a brand new Peugeot car at stake for the winners and other attractive prizes for runner in the 21 km and 5 km events.

Keep Fit Clubs are supposed to register Free with the Millennium Marathon Sports Ltd in Accra before August 20, 2015.

15,000 runners are expected to hit the streets of Accra on September 5, over 100,000 spectators are expected to watch the race on the streets to be guided and directed by over 800 security personnel from the Independence Square and back to the same historical place.

A grand jamboree will take place after the race with top musicians and artistes featuring.