Abuja International Marathon to attract World best marathoners

July 01 10:52 2022 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

Organizers of Abuja International Marathon Generation Nigeria Limited has disclosed that the event billed to hold this December would parade most of the best marathoners from around the globe.

Project Coordinator, Mr Femi Abegunde told Sports Journalists that the Abuja International Marathon will make it’s debut on December 17, 2022 with 60 elites runners from all over the world.

Abegunde stated that the foreign athletes will be joined by the local runners for the $80,000 prize money.

“The 42-kilometer race will begin from the City Gate through the interesting parts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and end at the Eagle Square with 60 runners (local and foreign), as the winner will go home with $80,000. The desire to create an Abuja International Marathon is to showcase the City, attract investors, boost tourism and the economy like it is done in other world commercial cities like London and New York. Our desire is to create a Marathon that can compete with the best anywhere in the world. Abuja is a beautiful shop, which is closed. This even could have been on since 2021 if not for the Pandemic that ravaged the whole world,” he said.

The Abuja International Marathon Media Head, Mr Olukayode Thomas said the benefits will surpass it as Nigeria and FCT stand to gain more than the prize money through the visitors that will throng the country.

“The event goes beyond prize money as hotels, restaurants, taxi drivers, retailers of goods and other business owners will benefit a lot”.

He disclosed that New York Marathon alone attracted more than $400million into the economy, and added that the prize money may not be more than $1million but it brings more than $400m every year.

He said prizes will be given to the best coverage among the media, before and during the event in eleven categories.

In attendance at the event were Managing Director of organising company, Unicentral, Mrs Zsuszanna Ogunfumiloro, a representative of the National Assembly, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, representative of the FCT Minister, Mr Lucas Istafanos, and host other dignitaries.