Opobo marathon winners to pocket N1m

The fifth edition of Opobo marathon, scheduled for January 5, 2023, continues to gather momentum as athletes and people from all walks of life arrive the ancient kingdom to participate in both the Leisure and Elite categories.

The Opobo marathon has gained national and international recognition, triggering special interest from top athletes and sports administrators. This year’s event will have the presence of representatives of many organisations within and outside Nigeria.

And for the first time, the organisers have announced a winning prize of N1milion for winners in the male and female Elite categories.

Akintomide Abayomi and Rukayat Oladapo emerged champions in both male and female categories after covering 17km early last year. Oladele Sunday and Clinton Amara came second and third respectively in the male category, while Dorothy Jaja finished second in the female event.

The organisers, led by Iyowuna Cookey, said the aim is to connect Opobo to the rest of the world, adding that the event will showcase the tourism potentials of the area and culture of the people.

According to him, with Opobo marathon, people will see beyond the popular Nwaotam carnival, just ‘as we are using the marathon to advocate for healthy living.’