Sports
Registration Opens For Power Pasta Marathon
Collection of registration
forms has opened in seven centres a cross the country for the maiden Power Pasta National Marathon scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on the 26th of this month.
The centres include the Sports Councils of Rivers, Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River and Kaduna States, and on line.
The half-Marathon, which will become an annual event is being sponsored by De-United Foods Industries, producers of Indomie noodles and power pasta Spaghetti.
According to the Human Resources Manager of Dufil Factory, Port Harcourt, an arm of de-united foods Industry Mr. Chinedu Wali during a press briefing in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Marathon is being organised, in part to mark the world pasta Day and to contribute towards developing long distance athletes in Nigeria.
He said that Port Harcourt was chosen to host the event because of the achievement of Rivers State government in sports development, especially, the excellent hosting of the 17th National Sports Festival and provision of sporting infrastructure.
Mr. Wali announced that eventual winners of the Marathon, male and female, will earn the sum of N1 million prize money, respectively, while other top four finishers will go home with handsome prizes.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports in the State, Hon. Fred Igwe, who was represented by the Director, Sports Development in the Ministry, Mr. Edwin Amadi, recalled past Marathons that have been organised in the state and how successful they were. He appreciated the sponsors of Power Pasta Marathon and assured the state government’s support and assistance towards making the event successful.
On his part, the Director of Sports in the state, Sir Daobu Harry commended the organisers for heeding government’s call for all hands to be on deck for sports development. He thanked them for choosing Rivers State and declared the councils preparedness to partner with them.
Explaining the route and details of the race, the Public Relations Officer , PRO, of the Sports Council, Mr. Barisi Wifa said that the race will cover a distance of 21.098 kilometres, beginning from Aggrey Road through Sokoto Street, William Jumbo, Garrison, Rumuola, Rumuokwuta, Wimpey, Mile 111, Mile 1, UTC, Azikiwe to Station Road and back to Aggrey.
He said that registration forms for the event must be returned not later than the 22nd of this month for intending participants to train and be conditional for the race.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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