The Ebonyi State Government is set to organise the first ever international marathon, with over twenty thousand local and international athletes expected to participate in the race.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Richard Idike, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abakaliki, the state capital, noting that Ebonyi would be the first state in the South East region to be selected for the international marathon.
Idike gave the assurance that the state would do everything within its reach to make the international sporting event a memorable outing.
The Executive Director of Fair Play Sports International Agency, Jacob Onu, explained that the International Marathon would be held in Abakaliki the state capital,
on September 14, and urged athletes to register ahead of time.
He pointed out that it would be the first ever recognised international marathon to be held east of the Niger and is aimed at showcasing the rich economic and hospitality potentials of Ebonyi State.
The route for the marathon would be twenty-one point eight kilometres long, while the rules of World Athletics, which include random dope testing after the marathon and a secret identification tag, would be observed.
Ebonyi will be the fourth state in the country to host the marathon after Lagos, Edo and the FCT Abuja.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
