Cross River Hosts 42Kms Agbokim  Falls Marathon Race

From Ene Asuquo Calabar, Calabar 

All is now set by the Cross River State Government in conjunction with a group of entrepreneurs operating in the state under the aegis of Creation Associate to play host to Agbokim Falls Green Marathon race on November 23,2024.

Chief Executive Officer CEO, Creation Associate, Mr. Emem  Udominyang, disclosed this in a telephone conversation with our correspondent Sunday in Càlabar.

The entrepreneur enumerated members of the organization behind the marathon race to include, former commissioner for Culture, Tourism development, Mr. Eric Anderson, Felix Uyah and Ikpeme Bassey.

The group lauded  the State governor,  Bassey Otu, for granting them the privilege  to partner the state government for the marathon race.

Giving  insight on the marathon race, the group  stated  winner of the race shall coast home  with  N2m star prize, with N1m for the  second runner up and consolation prizes.

The group stressed that  the marathon which will be held next month on  November  23, will attract athletes from all the nooks and crannies of the nation  to participate  in  the  42Km Agbokim falls  Green Marathon race.

He stressed that  participating athletes at  the marathon will commence jogging from Ikom, Last- motor, Mission junction, Ajassor and adjudicate at  Agbokim Waterfall.

The CEO averred that the marathon, which is a trio pack, will help in  promotion  of sports development, market the waterfalls and campaign for sustainable environmental conservation in the region.

“This trail blazing sports-tourism event is duly endorsed by the Federal and State Ministry of Sports Development, Federal and State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. 

“For that  purpose, His Excellency , the governor of Cross River State,  Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has taken care of  all registration fees to make it a free entry event for this first edition.

“Our expectation is that athletes will participate in one of the three categories of the distance race, either a full marathon of 42.195Kms, half marathon of 21Kms or the fun marathon of 5Kms”. The CEO maintained.

Other attractions include awards ceremony and concert, athlete village, exhibitions, picnics, photo-bliss and prize money presentations amounting to Twenty million naira.

The CEO averred that the marathon will   add value to the economy of the state stressing that very soon the  Agbokim Waterfalls Green Marathon will produce long distant racing athletes who will compete at international levels to make the State and Nation proud.

The group  stressed that with the marathon, more complementary infrastructure would be developed by  at the falls for increasing appeal and patronage,making tourism development an alternative economic hub for the  State, while upholding campaign for environmental conservation.