By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Today, someone will smile home with the princely sum of $US50,000 (about N70m) as winner of this year’s International City Marathon, which kicks off in Enugu.
To allow free access to the athletes from within and outside Nigeria have a hitch-free race, all vehicular traffic has been stopped in the metropolis where the racing routes are delineated.
As a result, between the hours of 6:00am- 12.30pm, security men will not allow any vehicle ply the major roads in the metropolis as the 10km/42 kilometres race will take the athletes round the major avenues.
The race, sponsored by Nilayo Sports Management, Pinnacle Oil, Power Oil, Enugu Air, Aquafina,namong others, will attract athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritea as well as local runners.
Speaking yesterday at a world press briefing ahead of the marathon, State Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, said that this year’s will surpass the previous edition.
Ekweremadu said that apart from participating in the race, the marathon will showcase Enugu to the world as a tourist centre.
He added that this edition will be a marked improvement on the past one, disclosing that 3000 volunteers will be on ground to facilitate the success of the marathon.
“We have taken from the first edition and we shall improve on this one. We are here to build an institution. Enugu is destination for major sports event,” he said, pointing out that in no distant time, the state will host the National Sports Festival.
Also speaking, a representative of the State Commissioner of Police (CP) Bitrus Giwa, assured that there would be adequate security before and during the marathon, adding that the police and other security agencies were in synergy to ensure a hitch-free race.
A representative of Obi Ozor, the state Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Okolo explained that the marathon, which will sprint off from Shoprite/GTC area at Abakiliki Road, will eventually culminate in Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Scene from a typical marathon race in Nigeria. File photo.
