Fourth SDD Marathon heats up Bayelsa City with elite and student runners
The fourth edition of the Bayelsa City Marathon, known as the “SDD Marathon,” is poised to take centre stage this weekend on Saturday, 10 February 2024, as announced by the marathon’s organisers.
During an interactive session with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State chapter, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa, Igbeta Odonkumo, the initiator, disclosed that the fourth edition will include both Elite and Teen categories.
Igbeta revealed that over 250 marathoners are anticipated to participate in the elite category, while the teen category will involve 50 secondary schools from Bayelsa State. Participating school athletes are set to receive school bags, courtesy of the Gloria Diri Foundation.
As the chairman of the Bayelsa Marathon Club, Igbeta outlined that the 21-kilometre Elite Category will commence at 7 a.m. from Glory Drive, back of Akenfa Junction in Yenagoa, concluding at Peace Park, opposite Government House, while the Teen Category, catering to individuals aged 13 to 16, alongside those participating for leisure in a 5-kilometre race, will begin at Otiotio Junction and finish at Peace Park, opposite Government House Yenagoa.
Alambo Datonye Fred, the chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, commended the organisers of the Bayelsa Marathon for their initiatives. He assured them of the sports writers’ support in promoting and publicising the event.
The male and female elite category winners will each receive a prize of £500,000. Additionally, cash prizes will be awarded to athletes securing second and third place.
The state governor, Sen. Douye Diri, along with other prominent government dignitaries, is expected to attend and support the marathon event.
