From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
No fewer than 2000 athletes both foreign and local are expected to participate in the 2023 Onitsha City Marathon holding at Onitsha, the commercial nerve of Anambra State.
The Project Manager, Onitsha City Marathon, Dr. Osondu Umeobi who disclosed this during a briefing in Onitsha said September 30 was chosen as the date for the Marathon so as to feature as part of the Ofala Festival celebration of the Obi of Onitsha.
He said Onitsha City Marathon has been officially certified by the Association of International Marathon and Distant Races (AIMS) and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria that about 400,000 USD had been mapped out as prizes for both males and females categories of the race on international level and ₦10,000,000 for males and females categories under Nigeria session, all valued at about ₦330,000,000 though subject to reviews.
He noted that top ten participants of Anambra State origin would receive reasonable prizes, while the 21km road race would feature with the slogan “Dare Your Limits”.
In a message, the founder, Onitsha Business School (OBS), Professor Segun Sogbesan, explained that many innovations had been added into the second edition, including introduction of 50 viewing centres scattered across Anambra and Delta States for more viewership of the programme.
Sogbeson further maintained, “Onitsha City Marathon is an Initiative of the Onitsha Business School (OBS). It is a product of Doctoral and Masters Degree students’ simulation class aimed at providing a solution to an observed environmental challenge in an otherwise energetic community of vibrant youth populace idling away.
He recalled that the first edition held in 2019 had participating athletes from the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Kenya, Togo, China, Cameroon, to name a few, and implored for sponsorship from individuals and private institutions so as to make it a memorable event.
On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State Sports Commission, Mr. Patrick-Estate Onyedum, represented by Ms. Faith Okwonna, stressed the government support to the programme, as it would not only benefit the masses health wise but also boost the State economy, businesses and the environment at large.