The Federal capital territory will be a beehive of activities this Saturday, as the highly anticipated first ever Abuja international Marathon will officially start in the nations capital with well over 200 local and international runners set to slog it out for the ultimate glory where $110,000 will be at stake to be won in the male and $55,000 in the female category respectively.
Athletes from different countries across the globe have already arrived Nigeria and are eagerly waiting to take to the centre stage and compete favorably for the juicy prize. The foreign countries include Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Bahrain.
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Briefing pressmen on Friday in Abuja, organisers of the event says the Abuja International Marathon tomorrow will be in three classifications, the 5km Student Race, the 10 km Family Run and the 42.195 Full Marathon.
Speaking to journalists on the readiness for what promises to be a sumptuous event, the Race Director Olukayode Thomas gave the assurance that they are well prepared to have a good race on Saturday. Olukayode equally highlighted the Marathon route, and according to him, the full Marathon which is the 42 kilometers race event will commence by 6:00am at the City gate while eagles square will be the termination point.
“The Student/Children 5km race will start 6:15am from Zone 4 bridge/ Sani Abacha bridge and end at Eagles Square.
“While the 10km Family fun race Start at Wuye bridge and terminate at Eagles Square.”
Meanwhile, the Director of Sports in FCT Lukas Istifanus who spoke on behalf of the FCT Administration said the race will be unique and one of it’s kind, even as he assured that the nations capital is ready to host Abuja international Marathon that all Nigerians will be proud of.
Lukas further said, being the first time the FCT will be staging such a globally recognized event, that all hands must be on deck for the success of the program.
“I want to assure you that, we are going to have a lot pleasant moment In Abuja.”
Speaking on the Benefits of Marathon to runners and citizen Mrs Joyce Bozimo, said the marathon is an enduring race, which is more like a journey of life that need endurance before making something tangible out of it.
She noted that Marathon race is beyond religion and any political party affiliation, stressing that is why marathon gives a very good health, as it also promotes peaceful co-existence as well as tourism and a lot of other benefits which is the rationale behind the Marathon race in FCT.
Climax of the event will be when Reekado Banks, a popular musical artist will be performing live to thrill fans at the Abuja International Marathon’s Finish line at the Eagle Square car park.