From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
The ancient Ibadan city will, on August 17, play hosts to 700 athletes from across sports families in grandstyle
Tagged the 12th edition,coming after a break occasioned by the global Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, it promises to be a demonstration of the city’s tourism sagacity and resilience for youth in sporting activities.
Organised by West Midland Communication,owner of the popular Splash FM, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission and full support of the Oyo stare government,the festival aimed at boosting the economy and empowering the youths.
The General Manger ,operations, West Midland Communication, who addressed a press conference on Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium ,Ibadan declared that the Marathon has come alive again.
He said the competition estimated to cost over #30 million would cover a stretch of 42 kilometers and encourage talents to emerge.
“Beyond the physical strength, the programme is a symbol of Ibadan resilience and a way of showcasing our city,” he added.
Speaking on the 700 registered athletes for the Marathon race,he expressed delight that the number exceeded their expectation of 500 sportive men and ladies.
Olawuwo, who also reeled out names of past winners that registered for the explosive 12th Marathon edition,said millions of naira would be coasted home by a number of winners in both the male and female categories.
The General Manager ,operations praised the Oyo state government and the National Sports Commission for making it possible that the Sports festival came alive again.
He disclosed that the Marathon enjoyed the best of support from the oyo state governor ,Engr Seyi Makinde, since it started in 2019.
Olawuwo also appreciated the Zonal Coordinator,National Sports Commission, Mrs Evelyn Fabunmi as technical partners and making sure the programme saw the light of the day after some postponement.
Oyo State Sports and Youth Commissioner ,Hon. Wasilat Adegoke said the present administration was the first to officially identify and sponsor the marathon race.
Governor Seyi Makinde believe in the power of Sports,to empower the youth,instill discipline, and make them gain purpose.
The Zonal Coordinator,National Sports Council,Mrs Evelyn Fabunmi, appealed to the people of Ibadan to come out and share up the athletes.
The Marathon race, which will start by 7am at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, formerly Liberty Stadium,takes the following routes, Stadium,-Iyaganku-Alesinloye-Eleyele-Sango-Ojoo-Iwo road-Gate-Bere-Oja oba-Challenge to end at the Stadium.
