Opobo 5th Marathon Lights The Shoreline In New Year

In its 5th edition, the Opobo Marathon event proved to have gathered momentum last Thursday.
The sports event billed to draw runners across the South-East Senatorial District went beyond that as many athletes from different parts of the country participated.
Organisers of the programme, a non- governmental group that promotes Opobo culture and tourism, The Opobo Connect, told The Tide Metro that the marathon remains a veritable tool in attracting people to the ancient island known for its beautiful culture and dances.
Coordinator of Opobo Connect, Iyowuna Cookey, said this year’s event was a success considering the sponsors that gave support, including individuals who threw their weight to ensure that it was smooth.
“During the previous editions we had a slow run, but this seems to have added more colour”, Cookey enthused.
Most of the additions were side entertainment and prize money for winners. It was increased to N1million this year.
Also, the mileage was increased to 17 kilometers as against 15km of last year.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, HRM Dandeson Jaja, flagged off the event as he later braced the tape at the end point in main Opobo Town close to the St Paul’s Anglican field at the waterfront.
King Jaja V said the marathon promised to be tourist magnet and at the same time a health booster.
He called on companies and individuals to support the event, assuring that in the years to come it will grow to become one of those in London and France.
The royal father said Opobo, aside its culture, was also building other avenues of revenue to strengthen its economic base.
On his part, former Vice President of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), South-South, Sodi Peterside, who presided over proceedings at the marathon, acknowledged that it was a success.
Peterside added that he was elated that the marathon was building momentum and was hopeful that next year’s event would be better.