A total of 1,500 entries have been received as official participants in Saturday’s maiden Coal City International Half Marathon, according to Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Joseph Udedi.
Sports247.ng reports that Udedi said preparations for the 21-kilometre race has attracted participants from within and outside the state.
Udedi confirmed that the horde of registered runners for the marathon has set the stage for a very interesting and competitive race, which will take the athletes through major streets in the Coal City metropolis.
The commissioner added that 15 foreign athletes are part of those who have registered for the run and Ethiopian Airlines, which is one of the co-sponsors, will fly them into Nigeria.
He added that all Nigerian athletes will undergo screening at Parklane Teaching Hospital Enugu, while those from outside should get medicals at recognized hospitals and come along with their health certificates.
Udedi stated further that the first prize of $3,500 is up for grabs by both male and female winners.
He added: “In support of the event, this month’s sanitation exercise has been put off.
“Residents of Enugu metropolis and its environs are enjoined to come out en masse to cheer the athletes to victory.
“Motorists and other road users should stay off the designated routes to avoid inconveniences or accidents for the athletes.
“This is an opportunity to put Enugu State in the worldwide tourism map.”
