Former Nigeria international goalkeeper and Supersport pundit, Peterside Idah, has said that next month’s Rivers International Marathon will be used to celebrate the one year anniversary of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state.
Idah, who is the race’s head of media and communications, said that the event could not have been better timed and that the organisers have keyed it into the one year celebration of Fubara’s tenure.
“We want to use this race to celebrate the one year anniversary of our Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who is the main reason Rivers State has been officially termed as the sports hub of the nation by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh,” Idah said.
He revealed that the Rivers International Marathon has received massive backing from Fubara as well as corporate Nigeria, adding: “Gov Fubara is the biggest supporter of the race and we are determined to organise a race befitting the status of Rivers State as the new destination of sort for sports in Nigeria.”
Idah disclosed that two financial institutions, Globus and Zenith Bank, have thrown their weight behind the race as partners.
“This shows that corporate Nigeria is appreciating the giant strides we have taken in terms of sports development and the many benefits that come with organizing a road race.
“Apart from showcasing how beautiful our state is, especially the capital, Port Harcourt, we are also going to showcase our culture, boost commerce as well as encourage residents in Rivers State to take to running and jogging as a way of keeping healthy.
“As the saying goes, health is wealth and we want to let our people imbibe the culture of exercising, of jogging and running.”
Idah said that the introduction of the five-kilometre race was designed to get the young and the not too old to join the race, adding that Rivers State hopes to encourage regular kip fit events after the race.
The 42.195km Rivers International Marathon, which will hold on June 1, 2024 in Port Harcourt, will start from the Civic Centre and end at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
