By Roland Ike

International and national marathoners will gather in Ebonyi State to participate in a half marathon organised by the Ebonyi government and the Fair Play Sports International Agency.

The Chief Executive Director of Fair Play Sports International Agency, Mr Jacob Onu announced this in Abakaliki while briefing newsmen on the event scheduled for September in Abakaliki.

Onu said the 21.8 kilometre marathon will be used to showcase the rich economic and sporting potentials of Ebonyi being the first international marathon to be held in the south east geo-political zone of the country.

“The event will equally showcase the developmental stride and leadership quality of Governor. Francis Nwifuru since he came on board as the fourth democratically elected governor of the state.

“The development has placed the state as the most peaceful and a fast growing economy in Nigeria, ready to welcome potential investors into it.”

The Chief Executive Officer said that the marathon will be held on September 7, 2024 in Abakaliki shortly after the forthcoming olympic games in Paris, France and will feature male and female marathoners.

“We expect that over 20,000 athletes both local and foreign would register and participate in the marathon.

“The marathon will attract the many international sports figures to Ebonyi State thereby showcasing it to the world.

“Public Spirited individuals within and outside the state are enjoined to support the event as partners to make it memorable.”

The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in the state, Richard Ugo-Idike appreciated the governor for the approval given for the hosting of the event which will feature male and female marathoners.

“It is a pleasure that this event will be hosted under my watch as the commissioner and we would be updating the public appropriately on plans and preparations for the event.

“A new wave of sports development is blowing through Ebonyi and we thank our governor for making this possible.”

The Technical Director of the event, Mr. Henry Amike noted that top marathoners around the world would grace the event.

“We will engage the services of International technical officers and observers during the event while conducting random tests during the marathon.

“Secret identification tags shall be use to check cheating and adequate medical personnel placed on standby with well equipped ambulance.

“There shall be designated points for food and drinks along the routes and a there-hour road block for the event.”

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