All is now set for the 11th edition of the Ibadan city marathon race which is scheduled to hold on the 14th of April 2019 as about 3,100 athlete jostle for the prize money of #3 million.
The Power oil/ Splash Fm sponsored 42km marathon race, which is also the most consistent marathon race in the history of Nigeria is set to host thousands of athletes from all over the country as all necessary preparation has been concluded by the organizers to ensure one of the best marathon events ever in the history of the country.
This much was made obvious at the press conference held at the media centre of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium. The press conference had in attendance media personalities and sports administrators in Oyo state and in the southwest.
The press conference which was moderated by ace sports presenter Mr Tunde Olawuwo had in attendance, the CEO West Midland communications Limited, Mrs Atinuke Adetunji, the General Manager (Admin) Splash Fm Mr Adesina Alawode,the south west zonal coordinator, of the federal ministry of youths and sports, Mr Olufemi Ajao, the CEO of Kayrom Lee fitness centre Ambassador Romoke Ayinde and a host of others.
The Chief Executive Officer of West Midland Communications Limited Mrs Atinuke Adetunji while lauding the success of previous edition noted that the marathon race came into being as a result of the Chairman Chief Akande desire to promote good governance and integrity in the society. She assured that this year’s edition will live up to expectation as a flagship marathon event in Nigeria.
The Southwest zonal coordinator of the federal ministry of youths and sports Mr Olufemi Ajao also lauded the consistency with which the splash fm integrity marathon race is being held noting that it has outlasted many marathon races in Nigeria and it is the most consistent race ever in the history of the country of the highest standard.
Mr Tunde Olawuwo noted that application for the race has ended and a total of 3,100 athletes have registered to participate. He explained that while all participants will be issued a certificate of participation, the first 10 finishers (5 male, 5 females) will receive cash awards of varying values with the winner going home with #700,000.
All security arrangements have been made with the relevant security agencies to ensure adequate security. Health wise, the organizers have taken delivery of two ALS ambulances adequately equipped to address health challenges of any athletes before onward transmission to a hospital when the need arises. Already between 10 20 doctors to be led by Dr Akin Amoo have been mobilized to cater for health needs of the participants.
In a bid to spice up the atmosphere, in term of entertainment, notable Ibadan Fuji musician Taye Currency will be the artiste of the day.
The CEO of Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness centre who is one of the active collaborators and sponsors of the event harped on the need to appreciate the runners for their efforts and endurance at participating both I cash and in kind. She advocated for more financial appreciation by the organizers so as to encourage other people to take part in the exercise.
Mr Tunde Olawuwo also stated that efforts are in top gear to ensure that the marathon race is upgraded to international standard so that international athletes can participate.
The 42km race scheduled to hold on Sunday 14th of April will begin by 7 am. The race will course through Obafemi Awolowo stadium through Aleshinloye to Sango, to UI, Ojoo, Iwo road, Gate through Molete back to the stadium.
Iliya and Deborah Pam from Plateau state won the 2018 edition of the marathon race in the male and female category respectively.
