Cosmas Chukwu, Enugu
Enugu, the Coal City agog today, Saturday for the kick off of the second edition of Enugu City International Marathon.
To allow free access to the athletes from within and outside Nigeria , all vehicular traffic has been stopped in the metropolis where racing routes will take place.
As a result, between the hours of 6am to 12.30pm, security men will not allow any vehicle ply the major roads in the metropolis as the 10km/42 kilometres race takes the athletes round the major avenues.
The race, sponsored by Nilayo Sports Management, Pinnacle Oil, Power Oil, Enugu Air, Aquafina among others, will attract athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritea as well as local athletes.
Speaking at the world press briefing ahead of the Marathon on Friday, Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, said that the forthcoming edition will surpass the previous edition.
Ekwerenadu said that apart from participating in the race, the Marathon will showcase Enugu to the world as a tourist centre.
He said that the Saturday edition will be a marked improvement on the past edition, adding that 3000 volunteers will be on ground to make the Marathon a huge success.
“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, Enugu will host National Sports Festival.
Speaking at the occasion, a representative of the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, assured that there would be adequate security before and during the Marathon, adding that the police and other security agencies will in synergy to ensure a hitch-free race.
Representative of the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, Dr. Okolo explained that the marathon which will kick-start from Shoprite/GTC area at Abakiliki Road, will eventually culminate in Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.
Athlete that wins the 1st prize of the Marathon will smile home with 50,000 US Dollars.
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