Former commissioner for sports in Ogun State, Bukola Olapade has revealed extensive plans for successful staging of the maiden editions of international marathon races in Abuja and Abeokuta.
Olopade told sports247.ng that Abuja City International Marathon will hold on October 13th, 2019 while that of Abeokuta will take place on November 3rd, 2019.
Olopade, who is now managing director of Nilayo Sports, added that the Abuja International Marathon will be a full 42.192Km race to start and end at Eagles Square in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He disclosed further that the Abeokuta Marathon will be a 10km road race that would terminate at the Alake’s Palace.
Olopade urged Corporate Nigeria and well-meaning individuals to embrace the sponsorship opportunities the new races billed for Abuja and Abeokuta will be offering.
He noted that for those that chose to sponsor the Abuja race, they will be primarily positioned in Federal Capital Territory which also doubles as the seat of power.
Olopade also said Abeokuta is a perfect destination for tourism and rich cultural heritage that would add value to brands to sponsor what would arguably the biggest sporting event in the Gateway State.
He added that, apart from encouraging tourism and socio-economic benefits, the marathon races for Abuja and Abeokuta have immense health benefits that comes with running, walking and jogging.
Olopade added: “The success that we have achieved with the Access Bank Lagos City marathon in the last four years shows that Nigerians are in love with Marathons and Road Races.
“We at Nilayo intend to take the gospel of Marathons and Road Races to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
“That was why we acquired patents for Abuja and Abeokuta City races. We intend to move to other regions as fast as possible”
