Abuja International Marathon Set for April 29

By: Gyang Dakwo

All is now set for the maiden Abuja International Marathon, which is billed to hold on April 29 2023 as organizers have unveiled activities that will form part of the event.

An initiative of Unicentral Resources Generation Limited and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the race, according to the organisers, will offer a memorable experience for elite runners, both Nigerians and foreigners, fun runners as well as students.

Towards this end, Unicentral, led by Zsuzsanna Ogunmiloyo and top officials of FCTA led, by Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, met to fine-tune the programme for the last 30 days.

The race, which starts at City Gate and ends at the Car Park behind the Eagles’ Square, is in three categories, the full marathon (42.195 km), the 10 kilometres family race and the five kilometres students race.

The races will be preceded by a 10-day marathon expo at The Pavilion, beside the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Istifanus revealed at the meeting that arrangements have been concluded with the Department of Tourism, FCTA to give visitors coming for the race a taste of the FCT, adding, “we will provide transportation and we also train tour guides that will take visitors and residents who are interested in major tourist centres in the FCT, around the city.”

“Though we have embarked on many route tours in the past, the essence of the final four tours is to give our staff, especially ad-hoc staff and even our volunteers, most of them Youth Corpers, to have a thorough understanding of the route so that they could be of immense assistance to all runners, spectators and others,” Thomas stated.