The 16th edition of the Happy 98.9FM/Lakeside Marina Park Family Fun Run was successfully held at Lakeside Marina Park in Accra, attracting hundreds of participants from across the country as part of activities to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Day.
The annual event, which has become a cherished tradition for families and fitness enthusiasts, once again combined health, unity and charity, bringing together participants in a vibrant atmosphere of fitness, community spirit and philanthropy.
This year’s run featured 5km and 10km races, mapped through Lakeside Estates–Ashaley Botwe in the Adenta Municipality. Beyond the competitive races, the event served as a joyful gathering where families bonded, strengthened relationships and formed new connections.
Speaking during the prize presentation, Ernest Boateng, CEO of Global Media Alliance Group, emphasised the importance of strengthening family bonds in today’s fast-paced society and commended all families who participated in the event.
“Our society has become so fast-paced and demanding that families often do not get enough time to spend together, which can weaken family bonds. It is therefore important to create opportunities like this where families can come together, build relationships and strengthen those bonds,” he said.
Salah Kwaku Kalmoni, Director of Lakeside Estates, also highlighted the charitable objective of the event and encouraged individuals and philanthropists to support the Mercy Social Centre.
“A quarter of the proceeds generated from today’s run will go towards supporting children at the Mercy Social Centre. This is our way of giving back to the community in which we operate, and we are grateful to all participants for contributing to this cause,” he stated.
In the competitive categories, Prince Donkor Nana Kyei (AC111) emerged as the fastest man, completing the race in 23 minutes 20 seconds, while Adelaide Hammond (AC108) was crowned the fastest woman with a time of 43 minutes 36 seconds.
In the juvenile division, Mirabel Datdomor (AC335) won the fastest female child category with a time of 38 minutes 30 seconds, while Dawid Ismael (AC271) took the fastest male child award with a time of 25 minutes 27 seconds. Fatawu Abubakar (AC276) also impressed spectators by winning the fastest teenager category with a time of 24 minutes 03 seconds.
The Mercy Social Centre school teams retained their titles as the fastest school team in both the junior and senior categories.
In the fastest family category, the Sobo family claimed the top honour with an impressive average time of 32 minutes. Gabriel Atsu Avevor (AC112) won the fastest over 60 category with a time of 32 minutes 29 seconds.
The 10km race saw Doevi Paul (AC339) win the fastest male category with a time of 34 minutes 36 seconds, while Jennifer Lamptey (AC347) took the fastest female title after completing the race in 48 minutes 8 seconds.
Participants and spectators were particularly inspired by Mr. Steele (82 years), who was recognised as the oldest participant in the run.
Winners and participants received a wide range of prizes from sponsors including Blue Skies, Japan Motors, Lakeside Estates, Silver Star Auto, Silverbird Cinemas, Zen Fusion, Silver Star Tower Ltd., Oman Fofor, Verna (Twellium), McVitie’s and Dosh Insurance.
The Happy FM/Lakeside Marina Park Family Fun Run continues to stand as more than just a sporting event. It remains a celebration of Ghana’s independence, a platform for strengthening family bonds, and a meaningful opportunity to give back to society.
