FCT Shut Down As Abuja International Marathon Race Holds Today

FCT Shut Down As Abuja International Marathon Race Holds Today 

Niyi Busari

The routes in the city of Federal Capital Territory where the maiden Abuja International Marathon will hold today (Saturday) will be shut down for more than 5 hours starting from 6am to 12 noon, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

The full race (42km) which will commence from City Gate at 6:00am will finish at the Eagles Square between 11am and 12 noon.

No fewer than 32 foreign elite and over 100 local athletes will jostle for $55,000, $110,00 and N3 million prize money for Abuja International marathon race.

Elite athletes from different countries across the globe like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Bahrain among other countries have already stormed Abuja for race to slug it out for the tempting $110,000 for the male and $55,000 in the female category respectively.

Speaking with sports writers in Abuja on Friday, the Marathon Director, Mr Olukayode Thomas said: "The full marathon race will start from City Gate at 6am to Eagles Square but it is not a straight race. What we are trying to do is to showcase the beautiful part of Abuja to the world. The race will take place in the main landmark of Abuja, the National Assembly, Aso Villa, Federal Secretariat, Eagles Square will be shut down when the race is going on.

"We have three races in one, we have the 5km students' race, this is for everybody but the prize money is for student only and must be below 17. Then we have the 10km for friends and family, then the full marathon which is meant for the professional for both international and local athletes. This will be a money spinning business for residents of FCT in the next five years.

“The Student/Children 5km race will start 6:15am from Zone 4 bridge/Sani Abacha bridge and end at Eagles Square. The 10km family fun race starts at Wuye bridge and terminate at Eagles Square,” he said.

Similarly, the Director of Sports, FCT Lukas Istifanus, who represented the FCT Administration, promised that the race will be unique and one of it’s kind, even as he assured that the nations capital is ready to host the Abuja event Nigerians will be proud of.

“Being the first time the FCT will be staging such a globally recognized event, all hands must be on deck for the success of the program. I want to assure you that, we are going to have a lot pleasant moment In Abuja,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the runners and citizen, Mrs Joyce Bozimo, said the marathon is an enduring race, which is more like a journey of life that need endurance before making something tangible out of it.

“Marathon race is beyond religion and any political party affiliation. Why marathon gives a very good health, as it also promotes peaceful co-existence as well as tourism and a lot of other benefits which is the rationale behind the Marathon race in FCT,” he said.

Climax of the event will be when Reekado Banks, a popular musical artist will be performing live to thrill fans at the Abuja International Marathon’s Finish line at the Eagle Square car park.