By Muhyideen Jimoh
NO FEWER than 3,000 athletes have registered and set to take part in the 2024 Anti-Corruption half marathon slated for Abuja on Dec. 7.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fifth edition of the race is geared towards raising awareness on the scourge of corruption and how to collectively tackle the menace.
The National Coordinator of the marathon, Jacob Onu, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, said the event is symbolic in the fight against corruption and substance abuse by athletes.
“The fight against corruption is not a one-off battle, rather a continuous one that requires perseverance and endurance.
“This is the reason behind this initiative. The marathon is symbolic in that without perseverance and endurance one can’t start and finish a marathon,” he said.
According to him, the star prize winner for both male and female will smile to the bank with N1million, while the first and second runners-up will get N700, 000 and N500, 000 each.
Earlier, President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Maikano, said OSMA will fully participate in the marathon, due to the importance it attaches to the noble cause.
“In my capacity as the president of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, I will make sure that the African military participates in the marathon race.
“We will use the upcoming African Military Games in Abuja to create awareness for the race and invite our colleagues from Niger, Ghana, Mali and other African countries for the marathon,” Maikano said.
Also, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel called on all stakeholders to support and key in to the goal of the marathon
Gumel who was represented by President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Abdul Ibrahim said such events will go a long way in discovering talents for the country.
The 21.25km half marathon is scheduled to start at the Eagles Square by 7am and pass through the National Stadium and terminate at the Unity Fountain.
Top government officials, members of the National Assembly Anti-Corruption committee, business leaders and host of other eminent Nigerians are expected to flag-off the event. (NAN)
