Sierra Leonean long-distance runner, Adama Kamara, wins the Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon with support from her husband
The sun had barely risen over the hills of Makeni that very morning, but the air was already thick with the sounds and breathings of runners for the marathon.
On May 4, 2025, hundreds of runners, both local and international, gathered for the 13th annual Street Child fundraising marathon. For the third time witnessing the event, I had the privilege of being reintroduced to an incredible woman I had met before: Adama Kamara.
Adama is a Sierra Leonean marathon runner with quiet strength and determination that have represented Sierra Leone in different sporting competitions. She embodies the very spirit of the Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon, which is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and giving them a second chance through education.
This year, Adama wasn’t just running for herself; she was running for the future of her country’s youth, and she had a powerful, silent partner by her side, her husband.
He is not just an observer; he is her guide, her support team, and the physical manifestation of a supportive partnership. On the bike he hired, he carries everything she might need for the grueling 42-kilometer race: water, energy gels, and a source of encouragement. He is her pace car, a constant presence that reminds her she is not alone on this journey.
Like any other runner, Adama had faced challenges like fatigue and muscle soreness, anxiety, lack of courage and confidence, companionship, and the timely provision of water and energy to fuel and hydrate runners. This was a bit challenging for her, for the previous years she had participated in the race. Still. But this year seemed to be an exception, especially with her husband by her side.
Through the support she got from her husband, Adama was able to win the full marathon race for the female category, and she completed the race with a time of 4 hours and 26 minutes. She was also the only contender in that particular race.
‘’ As a competitive person, I truly appreciate how my husband supports and guides me toward my passion. His presence gives me an extra boost.’’ Adama Said.
In many parts of the world, women face significant barriers to pursuing their passions, especially in sports. But Adama’s story is a beautiful example of how a supportive partner can make all the difference. Her husband’s role is a powerful statement about modern partnership, where a spouse’s career is a shared goal.
He is not just cheering from the sidelines; he is actively participating in her success, providing the logistical and emotional support that allows her to push her limits and achieve her dreams.
The event featured several race categories. In the Full Marathon (42km), the men’s winner was Amadu Sajor Samura, finishing in 2 hours 51 minutes, while Adama S. Kamara won the women’s race in 4 hours 26 minutes as the sole female contender.
For the Half Marathon (21km), Ishmeal Bangura, Samuel S. Mansaray, and Issa Kamara placed first, second, and third, respectively, among men; and Musanatu S. Kanu, Zainab Kamara, and Mariatu Fullah took the top three spots among women. In the 10km race, Alusine Conteh, Edward Sesay, and Saidu Gballoy were the top three men, while Nancy Isatu Kanu, Mariama Kalokoh, and Nenneh Isatu Shaw led the women’s results.
Finally, in the 5km race, John Lassie, Abdul Kamara, and Ibrahim Sesay finished first, second, and third for men, and Hannah Kamara, Victoria D. Turay, and Fatu S. Conteh led among women.
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