Osun to Host Nigerian, Foreign Athletes For International Marathon

By Toba Adedeji

Race Director of Ile Ife Heritage Marathon Organization, Adedayo Akinbode on Thursday said no fewer than 150 athletes; both Nigerians and foreigners would participate in the first edition of the International Marathon Race holding on February 4, 2018.

Akinbode while speaking at NUJ Press Center, Osogbo, said lle Ife Heritage Marathon is a destination marathon borne out of a desire to showcase to the world, the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people through the century old Ile Ife matchless iconic heritages.

She posited that, “The marathon race event would also present unique opportunities for visitors from within and outside Nigeria to have first-hand contacts with many Ile-Ife’s iconic cultural sites and values. It will also provide ample opportunity to introduce sports to the growing population of residents as a platform of social development.”

She therefore urged interested participants to register for the with the fee of N16,500 for Nigerian and $53.60 for expatriates.

Akinbode contended that the marathon race is of International Athletics Standard of 42.195 kilometers distance.

Also, speaking at the press conference, the State of Osun Commissioner for Social Protection, Sports and Special Needs, Mr. Comrade Biyi Odunlade expressed the support of the State Government for the first edition of International marathon in the State.

Odunlade made it known that the purpose of the marathon race is to showcase the heritage of the cradle of Yorubas and the State which is why we are focusing our attention to Ile-Ife.

He said “There are three key objectives to this program; this kind of initiative was part of six integral point agenda the governor in building healthy life for every citizens of the State; for made know the cultural heritage we are blessed with in the State and to boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.”