All is now set for Imo youth marathon race
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Foregoing all unforeseen circumstances all is now set for the maiden edition of Imo Youth Marathon dubbed ‘Running for Peace’ holding in Owerri, the Imo State capital this Saturday May 10th, 2025 with the winners in both male and female assured of N500,000 each among other consolation cash prizes.
The sportive event which is being organized by the Imo State Ministry of Youth and Talent Hunt, headed by Hon. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu is meant to enable Imo youths to improve their fitness level while getting rewarded from what will benefit their bodies.
Ukaegbu said the sporting activity is another first by the State Government led by Governor Hope Uzodinma to ensure that her youths are busy so as to jettison anti social vices.
The Commissioner reiterated that all Imo youths that will like to participate in the marathon should register online and ensure they get index numbers that will make them eligible to run on Saturday.
However, he pointed out that those without access to internet can still take part if they come to the Ministry of Youth, State Secretariat extension Owerri, opposite Heroes Square on Thursday and Friday between 9am and 3pm to be captured in the physical registration ahead of the marathon race on Saturday.
“All those that are unable to do the online registration, we are given them the opportunity to register physically. For those interested in joining the Peace Marathon they can come on Thursday and Friday which is May 8th and 9th to register and still participate in the marathon on Saturday.
“They can come from 9am to 3pm to be able to register free of charge,” Honourable Ukaegbu disclosed.
“To take part in the Imo Youth Marathon, you will be indexed with a number. Without it, you won’t be allowed to run. Those interested in participating should come and take that index number during the physical registration at the Ministry of Youth, State Secretariat extension Owerri, opposite Heroes Square because if they come on Saturday morning without duly registered for the marathon race they won’t be allowed to take part.”
Revealing what would be the prize monies for the Saturday Imo Youth Marathon, Ukaegbu noted that both male and female winners will collect the same amount of money with N500,000 each while there are other consolation cash prizes from the second to the 20th positions.
“The winners will be in two categories: female and male. The first male/ female to reach the finish line will receive N500,000 while there will be other cash consolation prizes for the second to the 20th to get to the finish line,” he concluded.
The marathon race will kick off at the Imo Government House in the morning of Saturday with the runners running through Wetheral Road, inland roads among others before ending the contest at the Heroes Square.
