Onitsha City Marathon (OCM) announced that it has secured Coca-Cola Nigeria, as its first official sponsor for the maiden marathon.
A statement released by Philip Balepo, Head of Media and Publicity of OCM on Sept. 5, said the sponsorship deal was sealed during a meeting with a representative of the company, the Regional Trade Marketing Coordinator, Monday Afesumen in Onitsha.
Afesumen praised the coming of the marathon to the great commercial city of Onitsha, saying: “since this is the maiden international edition, East of the Niger, Coca-Cola is happy to associate with the event’’.
The half marathon race to cover 21 kilometres will hold on Oct. 5, as one of the build-up events to this year’s annual Ofala Festival.
Meanwhile, the OCM says it has also picked up media partnership relationship with two major radio stations in Onitsha – the City Radio 89.7 FM and WAZOBIA 93.7 FM.
The race is backed by Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the IAAF and the Association of International Marathoners (AIMS).
Balepo added that the marathon has also been endorsed by Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.
Balepo confirmed that OCM has continued to record massive entries from home and abroad.
“Only recently, a top Kenyan Marathoner, Benard Bosuben, an elite athlete, has been confirmed for the race. His current best time is 1:03:45.’’
Balepo said the race will start off from Onitsha Shoprite Mall, pass through DMGS/Zik’s Roundabout through Oguta Road, through New Cemetery.
And from the MCC Road into the Express to BridgeHead and a U-turn to Ziks Mausoleum to New Spare Parts Market, a U-turn to terminate at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha. (MOI)
