The Volta Region is set to witness a major sporting event as the regional capital, Ho, prepares to host the maiden Godwin Adukpo Hill Challenge, a 10-kilometre road race aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of long-distance athletes.
Scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, the event is expected to attract elite runners, students, fitness enthusiasts, keep-fit clubs, security services, and amateur athletes from across the Volta Region and beyond.
The race will conclude at the famous Galenkui/Kabakaba Hill (TV Pole), one of Ho’s most popular fitness destinations. Participants will first complete a 7-kilometre route through the Ho township before tackling the final 3-kilometre uphill climb, designed to test both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Promoting Athletic Talent
The competition is the brainchild of Godwin Atsu Adukpo, a former Ghanaian national athlete and four-time Milo Marathon champion, who hopes the initiative will revive the Volta Region’s proud tradition of producing outstanding long-distance runners.
Adukpo, who hails from Dzita in the Volta Region, won his first Milo Marathon title at the age of 18 in 2005 before securing three consecutive victories in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He has also represented Ghana in international competitions, recording impressive performances in Benin and Mali. He currently serves with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Speaking about the initiative, Adukpo said the challenge is intended to inspire young athletes and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talents.
“I’m organizing this challenge to inspire the next generation of athletes from the Volta Region and help them fulfil their dreams,” he said.
More Than Just a Race
Project Lead Miss Tilda Elinam Acorlor explained that the event goes beyond competition, describing it as a platform to identify hidden athletic talent within the region.
According to her, many young people already use the Kabakaba Hill route for regular fitness training, but few have had the opportunity to compete in organised events that could launch their athletic careers.
Beyond the race itself, organisers have planned health screening exercises, community engagement activities, and mentorship sessions for school athletes. The initiative is also expected to promote sports tourism in Ho while creating business opportunities for local enterprises during the event.
Registration Now Open
Registration officially opened on August 1, 2026, with categories including:
- Elite Male
- Elite Female
- Junior Athletes
- Mass Participation
Organisers have encouraged schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, security agencies, keep-fit clubs, and individual runners to register and be part of what is expected to become one of the Volta Region’s flagship annual sporting events. More details on prizes, safety arrangements, and the official race route will be released through the event’s social media platforms.
Why This Matters
The Godwin Adukpo Hill Challenge represents more than a sporting competition. It is a strategic effort to revive the Volta Region’s rich athletics heritage, discover emerging talent, promote healthy lifestyles, and position Ho as a destination for sports tourism.
With excitement already building, residents and sports lovers are eagerly looking forward to what promises to be a memorable inaugural edition.
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