The 2nd Onitsha City Marathon 2023 : Dare Your Limits

The 2nd Onitsha City Marathon 2023 : Dare Your Limits

The 2nd Onitsha City Marathon is gearing up to host over 2,000 athletes, including 1,000 foreigners, in the bustling commercial hub of Anambra State on September 30, 2023.

The 2nd Onitsha City Marathon 2023 : Dare Your Limits

Osondu Umeobi, the project manager, unveiled the exciting numbers during a press conference in Onitsha. Participants will compete in a challenging 21km-road-race through the streets of the city, embracing the inspiring slogan “Dare Your Limit.”

The stakes are high, with approximately $400,000 in prize money for the top male and female winners on the international level. Additionally, Nigerian categories offer an impressive ₦10,000,000 up for grabs, with ₦5 million each for the male and female champions, totaling an impressive ₦330,000,000 in prizes.

Umeobi also emphasized special recognition for the top ten participants from Anambra State and members of the Sports Writers Association, who will receive branded t-shirts and substantial prizes.

The Onitsha City Marathon is not just a sporting event; it’s an integral part of the 2023 Ofala Festival of Igwe Alfred Achebe, the revered Obi of Onitsha.

Prof. Segun Sogbasan, founder of the Onitsha Business School (OBS), highlighted various innovations in the second edition, including the establishment of 50 viewing centers across Anambra and Delta states to reach a wider audience.

The marathon was initiated by the Onitsha Business School, driven by its doctoral and master’s degree students’ simulation class, with the aim of addressing environmental challenges in the community and nurturing sports talents.

Their mission is to create three world-class sporting facilities in Onitsha city, fostering the discovery and development of sporting talents not only locally but also across Africa.

To ensure a successful event, the organizers are eager to collaborate with interested corporate bodies and individuals willing to offer financial support, building on the overwhelming success of the inaugural edition in 2019.

Faith Okwonna, representing the chairman of the Anambra State Sports Commission, assured full state government support for the marathon, recognizing its potential to benefit public health, the state’s economy, local businesses, and the overall environment.

Lastly, the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Achebe, expressed gratitude to OBS for the initiative and pledged to participate in the race to ensure its resounding success as planned