Femi Atolagbe
In a bid to promote sporting activities, a private organization in conjunction with Ondo State government have put necessary machinery in place to host a 15kilometres marathon race tagged: Sunshine State Marathon S.S.M 1.0) in the state.
The chairman of the organising committee, Benjamin Ayomikun Oladele said the 15km race will take off at Airport junction in Oba -Ile, and finishes at the Ondo State Sports complex, Akure.
Oladele states this in statement made available to newsmen in Akure on Thursday .
He added that the Accreditation process for the race will take place on Thursday, 26th of October, 2023 at the Ministry of Youth and sports, Ilesha expressway beside Road safety station, Akure
He disclosed that the winner of the marathon competition would go home with a Prize money of one million Naira (N1,000,000),while the second position will take home N500,000 and third position takes home N200,000.
He said the programme was in conjunction with the Ondo State government and registration fee is just N10,000 on the designated website; www.ondomarathon.com.ng.
Oladele added that lives and property of participants are guaranteed as security agencies had been notified about the event.
“Athletes from anywhere in the country can participate. We are doing this event as part of Promoting health and wellness: Hosting or partnering with a marathon event can encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle by promoting physical activity. This, in turn, can lead to a healthier community and reduced healthcare costs.
“There has not been any sporting event within the state that’s eye catching enough. The only thing people focus on is Football. We wish to Promote fitness, healthy living among individuals.
“We also want to attract athletes and sports enthusiasts from all over Ondo state to showcase their skills.
“We believe it can also boost tourism in Ondo State, by showcasing its beauty and cultural heritage.
“Further community engagement and investment in sport, further encourage athletes within the state not to give up in their dreams,” he said.
