Idah: Why Rivers State deserves an international marathon

Organizers of the first Rivers State International Marathon have said the state is pushing its boundaries as Nigeria’s treasury to become an international destination for sports.

Idah Peterside, the media head of the first full international marathon to be held in the South-South region of Nigeria, says the event is a confirmation of the state’s resolve to make it a destination of sorts for sports worldwide.

“The International Marathon comes at a time when we have, indisputably, become the best performing sporting state in Nigeria. This has contributed immensely to the peace the state now enjoys, especially since His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara came on board as the Executive Governor of the state,” Idah said.

Idah stressed that “it is time to show the whole world how beautiful and peaceful Rivers State is and unlock its tourism potential.

“A healthy state will undoubtedly be a rich state. Sports have helped keep people healthy all over the world and one of the surest ways to encourage people to get and stay healthy is through road running events.

“Regular running strengthens your heart, increases your aerobic capacity and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It strengthens the immune system and improves fitness. We want to create a culture of regular running and jogging and we want to kickstart this with the Rivers International Marathon,” Idah said.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper, media official and pundits on cable television, Supersports, stressed that the introduction of the 5km race was aimed at getting the young and not too old to participate in the race as Rivers State hopes to have regular kip-fit ​​events to encourage. the race.

In the meantime, registration is still open to aspiring runners, both professional and social, who want to make history during the race.

“We are pleased with the response from both professional and social runners who registered online and physically selected forms as we count down to the race.”

The first Rivers International Marathon will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the Garden City of Portharcourt.