No fewer than 3,100 marathoners from across the country will participate in the 11th edition of the 42km Ibadan City Marathon race.
Mrs Atinuke Adetunji, the Chairman Organising Committee made the disclosure on Tuesday at a news conference in Ibadan to unveil the activities for the edition.
The 42km Power Oil/Splash FM Ibadan City Marathon was formerly known as Splash FM Integrity Marathon.
The event which commenced in 2009 is sponsored by an Ibadan-based radio station owned by West Midland Communication and a host of other partners.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stars like Sharabutu Philips, Iliya Pam, Genevieve Njoku are among participants expected at the race to hold on Sunday, April 14 in Ibadan.
Adetunji, who is also Chief Operating Officer (COO), Splash/Lagelu FM, said that the marathon race was targeted at advocating good governance, transparency and accountability.
“This race was instituted to promote good governance, transparency and accountability. We thank God that the race has come to stay with 11 editions non-stop.
“We are poised at beating our achievements of the past. Last year, we had 2,300 participants and this year, no fewer than 3,100 have already register,’’ she said.
Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, Chairman, Publicity Committee of the event, described the race was the most consistent in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He added that efforts were ongoing to make it international in the 12th edition.
Olawuwo, who is also the General Manager Operations, Splash/Lagelu FM, said the race had over the years achieved its objective of advocacy.
He added that“We chose marathon over cycling and football. This is because we considered the qualities in marathon such as endurance, resilience and perseverance in promoting good governance, advocacy and accountability.
“This edition will feature artisan race as well as run for a cause. We will have some people run the race for the blind, children living with disabilities and vulnerable children.”
He said participants would slug it out to win the three million naira star prize.
Mr Femi Ajao, South-West Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports expressed appreciation to Splash FM and others who had helped in sustaining the event.
Ajao stated that plan was underway to change the course of the race in the 12th edition to allow the showcase of the massive infrastructure development and heritage sites in the state.
“We have made lot of progress. We have been discussing with certified authorities and sure that the marathon race will become international in the next edition,” he said.
NAN
