PLANS by the Oyo State government to hold the first Ibadan half-marathon were activated on Thursday with the mapping of routes for the race.
State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Abayomi Oke who disclosed this to journalists said the racers would span the seven historical hills in the state.
Speaking alongside the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, Oke added that the routes currently been lined will also serve as a cycling route.
About 21.09 kilometers will be covered in the race expected to attract local and international participants.
Oke said the specific date for the marathon would be disclosed upon application to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for inclusion in the international calendar.
He called for the support of all and sundry in the state throughout the mapping to ensure that the “marathon has a story to tell and is not just an ordinary road race.”
He expressed optimism that the Ibadan marathon will further attract international attention to Ibadan, and Oyo State at large.
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