Athletes battle for $4,500, other prizes at Bigi/Abeokuta 10km marathon

The 2021 edition of the Bigi/Abeokuta 10km marathon race will hold tomorrow with various prizes, including $4,500 at stake for the athletes.

The headline sponsor, Bigi Table Water brand from Rite Foods, said yesterday that it was fully prepared to energise all athletes, who will run at the ancient city.

The international event with the theme ‘Naija, race for Homeland’ is specifically for Nigerians within the country and Diaspora.

It will start from Oba Alake’s palace and end at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, with five water points at the 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km, and the finishing line. Also included are two Refreshing points along the route.

The race, supported by the Ogun State government, is organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited.

Speaking on its sponsorship, Rite Foods’ Brand Manager, Boluwatife Adedugbe, said the company would refresh the marathoners and keep them fit for the 10 km race.

She stated that sponsoring a worthy initiative like the Abeokuta marathon, which promotes Nigerian talents, indicates that the company cares about its consumers’ well-being and constantly adds value to life.

Adedugbe affirmed that the vast support also demonstrates the Bigi brands’ closeness to consumers, like it did with its sponsorship in 2019.

Ogun State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare, commended the brand for its weight behind the sporting event, which is another golden opportunity for Nigerian youths to earn global recognition.

He expressed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s appreciation to the company for creating a platform of social value that would build talents, engage the youths and spur them to greatness.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports, Bukola Olopade, also praised the effort of the brand for its immense role in the success of the marathon event.

Olopade, a former sports commissioner in Ogun State said that the ancient city of Abeokuta is wearing a new look ahead the event.

Prizes to be won include $2,000 for the overall winner, while the first runner-up and second runner-up will receive $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

In the Special category, the overall winner will receive N500,000, while the first runner-up and second runner-up will pocket N300,000 and N100,000, respectively.