The Ebonyi State Government has announced a restriction of movement in some parts of Abakaliki capital city ahead of the kick-off of the International Half Marathon race, scheduled to commence on Saturday.
The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Richard Idike, made the disclosure to newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday.
He stated that the Half Marathon 21.09-kilometer race would begin at Ishieke Junction in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Sports Commissioner, the competition will kick off at Ishieke Junction and follow a route that connects to Old Ogoja Road, Vanco, Ricemill, Onuebonyi Junction, down to the highway and finally terminates at the Ebonyi Shopping Mall.
He stressed that the entire route would 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 athletes and officials.
“Security personnel 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,” Idike said.
He further noted that participants would collect their race kits at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium starting today, and all athletes are expected to be at the starting point by 6:00 A.M. on Saturday.
“For those that have applied to take part in the marathon, there will be a route tour on Friday at 4:00 P.M. Collection of bibs starts today at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, and all athletes are expected to be at the starting point by 6:00 A.M. on Saturday, which is Ishieke Junction.
“However, the collection of their bibs and all materials will take place at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, and the event will not last more than three hours.”
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.
“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 other state in Nigeria. I commend the government of Ebonyi State for that. We are paying the same amount for the indigenous winners and national winners.
“We are paying them one million naira each for the winners, male and female. For the indigenes, it will be the top ten for male and top ten for female, while the national category will be the top six for male and top six for female,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Fairplay Sport International Agency, Mr. Jacob Onu, expressed gratitude to the Ebonyi State government for the opportunity to organize the event.
He also announced that a business roundtable would be held at Re-meritona Hotel on Friday, September 13, featuring discussions on boosting the state’s economic ventures.
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