Accra is the capital of Ghana and a bustling, fast-growing city of more than 5 million. The city is located near the equator and on the Atlantic Ocean. Accra’s layout and architecture reflects its colonial history and more modern growth. Running in Accra can be a challenge, as the city is polluted and dense, with traffic-chocked roads often lacking proper sidewalks. Use our guide to access Accra’s most runnable locations!
A good way to start your running experience in Accra is our 6 km ‘runseeing’ tour, which includes Osu Castle, Independence Square, and Parliament House. The best spot for a longer, quieter off-road run in Accra is to combine the serene University of Ghana campus with the Legon Botanical Garden. Accra’s beaches are the other running highlight: Labadi Beach is central and popular. For a longer beach run, combine Kokobrite Beach, Kusum Beach, and Bojo Beach. For a destination run, head north of Accra to the Aburi Botanical Gardens.
A few notes about running in Accra: the weather is hot and humid year-round. Also, the city can have poor air quality and many of the roads are either not suitable or are unsafe for running.