Cross River to host 42Km Agbokim marathon

The Cross River State Government, in partnership with a group of local entrepreneurs known as Creation Associate, is preparing to host the Agbokim Falls Green Marathon on November 23, 2024.

The CEO of Creation Associate, Emem Udominyang, shared this news in a phone conversation with Tribune Online on Sunday from Calabar.

He identified key members of the organizing team, including former commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Eric Anderson, as well as Felix Uyah and Ikpeme Bassey.

The group expressed gratitude to the state governor, Bassey Otu, for allowing them to collaborate with the state government on this event.

According to the organizers, the marathon will award a N2 million grand prize to the winner, N1 million to the second-place finisher, and additional consolation prizes. They emphasized that the marathon is expected to draw athletes from across the country to participate in the 42 km Agbokim Falls Green Marathon.

Participants will start their jog from various locations, including Ikom, Last-motor, Mission Junction, and Ajassor, concluding at Agbokim Waterfall.

The CEO highlighted that this three-part marathon aims to promote sports development, showcase the waterfalls, and advocate for sustainable environmental practices in the region.

“This pioneering sports-tourism event has received endorsement from the Federal and State Ministries of Sports Development, the Federal and State Ministries of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.”

For this inaugural event, the governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has covered all registration costs, making entry free for participants.

The CEO noted that competitors can choose from three race categories: a full marathon of 42.195 km, a half marathon of 21 km, or a fun marathon of 5 km.

Additional activities will include an awards ceremony, a concert, an athlete village, exhibitions, picnics, photo opportunities, and a total prize fund of twenty million naira.

The CEO stated that the marathon will boost the state’s economy and that in the near future, the Agbokim Waterfalls Green Marathon could produce long-distance athletes capable of competing internationally and bringing recognition to both the state and the nation.

The group also emphasized that the marathon would lead to the development of more supportive infrastructure at the waterfalls, enhancing its appeal and positioning tourism as an alternative economic driver for the state while promoting environmental conservation.

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