Brenda Chindinma Imo-Eze
Ebonyi State Government, on Thursday, announced restriction of movement in some parts of the capital city in Abakaliki to be used for the September 14, 2024 International Marathon scheduled to start by 8am at Ishieke Junction and terminate at Ebonyi shopping mall, Abakaliki.
The Ebonyi International half Marathon, the first of its kind, is billed to be attended by thousands of athletes in the state and beyond.
Speaking during a press conference in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Hon. Richard Idike disclosed that the 21.09-kilometer race will begin at Ishieke Junction and follow a route that includes Old Ogoja Road, Vanco, Ricemill, Onuebonyi Junction, down to the highway and finally terminate at the Ebonyi Shopping Mall.
The Commissioner stressed that this entire route will be closed to the public from 12 a.m. on Friday, September 13, until 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, to ensure the safety of both the athletes and officials.
“Security men will be stationed throughout the route, and I advise the public to take note of the restricted areas to ensure the smooth running of the event,”Hon. Idike stated.
He further noted that participants will collect their race kits, including bibs, from the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium starting today, and all athletes are expected to be at the starting point by 6 a.m. on Saturday.
“For those that have applied to take part in the marathon, Route tour Friday, by 4:pm , collection of bibs starts from today at pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium and all the athletes are expected to be at the starting point by 6:am on Saturday , that’s Ishieke Junction, but collection of their bibs and all materials is at the stadium which will be at Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium
“This event will not last more than three hours and before now we use to have clean up closes all the roads , more than three hours and people are comfortable with that, this one is even different while we start Ishieke by 8 am.”
The Technical Director of the 2024 Ebonyi Half Marathon, Prince Henry Amike provided additional technical details, stating that a total of 120 volunteers, 50 technical officials, and various security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Road Safety, DSS, Civil Defence, and Immigration will be deployed to manage the race.
Adding, “Water and sponge points will be available along the route to keep athletes hydrated, and sweepers will be on standby to assist injured or fatigued runners. Ambulances will also be on hand to provide medical support.
“The prize money,the government of Ebonyi state is doing what has not been done in any state in Nigeria, I will commend the government of Ebonyi state for that, we are paying the same amount for the Indegenous winners and national winners, we are paying them one millionaire for the winners each , male and female, for the Indegenes is going to be top ten for male and top ten for female, while the national will be top six for male and top six for female,” he stated.
The Executive Director of Fairplay Sport International Agency, Mr. Jacob Onu expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to organize the event.
He also announced that a business roundtable would be held at Hotel Re-meritona on Friday, September 13, featuring discussions on boosting the state’s economic ventures.
