AIM2019 to reduce plastic waste 15 October 2019

Now in its 13th year, the Accra International Marathon (AIM) is a recreational event that attracts fitness fun seekers of all ages.

Event organizers AIM to Keep Africa Alive! by supporting a healthy, active lifestyle, but like all other mass participation events in Ghana, they use a lot of plastics in keeping their participants hydrated. Distance runners in other parts of the world happily quench their thirst from water stations designed to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Endurance runners and active lifestyle enthusiasts are generally supportive of green initiatives that reduce their environmental footprint. This year, AIM organizers and Plastic Punch, a local NGO that champions environmental protection through beach cleanups and recycling efforts, have joined hands to dramatically reduce the plastic waste generated by mass participation events in Ghana.

The two organizations are providing environmentally friendly, refillable water bottles to AIM participants to fill up free of charge at any of the fifteen water stations on the AIM course. Large 15 liter bottles will be outfitted with solar-powered pumps enabling several participants to fill up at any water station and at the 5-star Labadi Beach Hotel finish line venue.

As they did last year, Plastic Punch volunteers will collect plastic and other waste, leaving the AIM course cleaner than the participants found it.

With all the recent talk about reducing plastic waste in our communities and waterways, the public is invited to come witness community activism in action.

Our volunteer medical teams: AIMing to care 7 October 2019

One of our favorite sources for credible, science-based information on good nutrition is Nutritionfacts.org, and a recent blog post by the founding physician posed the query of how there could be such a disconnect between science and medical practice.

According to the evidence, diet or bad nutrition is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States, and Dr. Michael Greger muses that surely nutrition would be the top-rated subject in medical schools and the number one topic responsible physicians discuss with their patients, right? Given the evidence, it is reasonable to assume that concerned medical practitioners would reinforce the adage that prevention is better than the cure (almost always less expensive, too).

Sadly, this is not the case. Both in Ghana and the U.S., your physician is more likely to write a prescription than to counsel you about the value of preventive health care. We’re happy to note that physicians at Claron Health International (CHI), whose founder leads our volunteer medical teams during the AIM, are exceptions: their AIM is to promote health and provide preventive health services to their patients and corporate clients alike.

A tour of their website or visit to their medical center, located at No 2, Dodi Link (between Volta Street and Akosombo Road), in the Airport Residential Area, Accra, provides ample evidence that their priority is to promote good health. Check out their 28 August article on the importance of breakfast.

Wellness and Prevention are at the top of their list of how they work, and they aim to help patients to avoid illness and be fit for work and for life. They advocate healthy eating and an active lifestyle as cornerstones to sound, effective, preventive health practices. Indeed, CEO Dr. Dennis Addo practices what he teaches and makes time to get in regular cardio workouts despite his hectic schedule. He has completed the AIM half marathon (21K) twice and shorter distances numerous times. He has also succeeded in encouraging colleagues and patients alike to pursue active living as a way of life. He exemplifies AIMing to Care.

Ensuring medical safety during the AIM takes teamwork. We were most grateful to add Mount Carmel Hospital and Fertility Centre, located in Community 25, Tema, to our medical team late last year. Find out about more about the generous group of professionals who make up Team Mount Carmel in our next article or Race Director’s Bulletin.

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AIM2019 finishers to celebrate their success with a sumptuous repast at the luxurious Labadi Beach Hotel 13 August 2019

For the first time since the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel started hosting the Accra International Marathon (AIM) several years ago, their award-winning Akwaaba restaurant will cater the food and refreshments for the triumphant participants who cross the festive AIM Finish Line. What greater reward after one’s fitness exertions than to be treated to mouth-watering food carefully selected with an eye to providing post-event nourishment and stoking a celebratory mood.

Executive Head Chef Gary Lane has thoughtfully offered up an array of selections designed to whet and satisfy the appetite. These include: spicy chicken served with jollof rice; BBQ chicken served with potato wedges; and fried hake served with kenkey and/or banku, gravy and shito. Vegan-friendly offerings such as Thai vegetable curry with plain rice, fried plantain with bean stew (the ever popular red-red) and a tri-colour coleslaw will ensure that those with special dietary needs are not left out.

In addition, Full Marathon finishers will receive a complimentary miniature bottle of Prosecco Special Cuvée; or a Red wine, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo; or a White Wine, Pinot Grigio, all from the renowned Zonin family wine estates. The top 25 Half Marathon finishers, male and female each, will enjoy the same complimentary bubbly or vintage in their goody bags.

This year marks the thirteenth anniversary of the annual event, which attracts participants from over 35 countries representing all six inhabited continents. The first registration this year came in January from Zimbabwe. In addition, Ghanaians from as far away as Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana trek to Accra to take part in the event, which organizers describe as an endurance event that nevertheless caters to a growing demand for leisure recreational activities.

Participants can choose from several different distance categories ranging from 5KM to the full 42KM marathon. Many choose to walk with friends (only the full marathon category is precluded for walkers) or to cover their chosen distance through a combination of walking and jogging (what has come to be affectionately known as wogging).

The Sponsorship from the 5-star Labadi Beach Hotel over the years has enabled the event to add luxurious touches such as this year’s catered dining and complimentary bubbly to the mix. And the much-awarded hotel also flexes its Corporate Social Responsibility muscles by supporting the AIM’s fundraising efforts on behalf of local charities.

As the event’s Presenting Media Partner, Business & Financial Times, Africa’s leading provider of business information, will be on hand to support the success of the race and the festivities. Watch out for your opportunity to book a copy of the special post-event edition, filled with photos, race results and other event highlights.

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Cofiegold adds value to support a worthy cause. 3 June 2019

We give a warm akwaaba (welcome) to Cofiegold Clothing, the latest Charity Champion (CC) to AIM with us to care for those in need.

Cofie’s expertly tailored creations are suitable for business, casual or dressy functions; they range from subdued to fun and vivacious so you will look sublimely elegant no matter what the occasion.

On their recent trip to Japan, the AIM race director and international coordinator introduced Cofiegold Clothing to new fans in Tokyo, where they visited with long time friends and also with multiple AIMer Rie Ikemoto, formerly of JICA. Rie was the 3rd position winner in the women’s half marathon category in AIM2009.   Continue reading full article...

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AIMing to Care: Labadi Beach Hotel boosts charity matching fund 6 May 2019

For many of us, crossing that 5km Finish Line is as great an achievement as finishing a full marathon is for a seasoned runner. It’s an eye-opener into the extent of our capabilities and our hidden potential. Whether we go on to conquer longer distances or simply get empowered to attempt other life goals, crossing that Finish Line, a symbol of our achievement, is worth celebrating with gusto and in style.

In addition to providing a world class atmosphere for celebrating event finishers’ achievements, Labadi Beach Hotel proves itself a good corporate citizen once again by donating a generous hospitality package whose proceeds will go into the AIM Challenge for Charity Relay (C4CR) matching fund.   Continue reading full article...

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AIMing to Care: Focus on Wise Youth Foundation 30 March 2019

The founders of this year’s AIM Charity Partner, Wise Youth Foundation (Wise Youth) recognized a serious problem in their communities and resolved to combat it. This is how leaders are born, and we’re pleased to welcome Wise Youth on board the AIM fundraising platform, partly in reciprocity for its members’ past affiliation as valued AIM volunteers.

The problem these young community leaders identified is the alarming incidence of teenage pregnancies that lead to young girls dropping out of school and stunting their economic and other potential as well as those of their children.

Pregnancy among adolescent girls—defined as ages 15 to 19—is a global problem, but as with many development challenges, Ghana’s teen pregnancy rate is much higher than the global average of less than 6%. Statistics in Ghana for 2016 indicate that nearly 18% of said adolescents were pregnant with their first child or had already given birth. In addition to diminished economic and social prospects, teen pregnancies pose numerous health risks for both mother and child and consequently place added burdens on extended families that may already be living under impoverished circumstances. Contributing to a cycle of poverty, offspring of adolescent mothers are at increased risk of developmental problems.

Through advocacy and effective delivery of practical sexual health information, Wise Youth seeks to educate youngsters, especially girls, about adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Continue reading full article...