Organisers of the first Rivers State International Marathon have explained that the state is hosting its maiden global road race to extend its frontier as the treasure base of Nigeria to a sports tourism destination of first choice.
Speaking on the race, which will hold on May 18 in Port Harcourt, its Head of Media, Idah Peterside, said the event is a confirmation of the state’s intention to make it a destination of sort for sports globally.
“The International Marathon has come at a time we have become, undisputably, the most performing state in sports in Nigeria. This has contributed, immensely, to the peace the state is enjoying now, especially since Governor Siminalayi Fubara came on board as the chief executive of the state,’ said Idah.
Peterside said it is time to let the whole world see how beautiful and peaceful Rivers state is as well as open up its tourism potential.
He added: “A healthy state will undoubtedly be a wealthy state. Sports, all over the world, has helped in keeping people healthy and one of the surest ways of encouraging people to keep 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 boosts one’s immune system and enhances fitness. We want to create a culture of regular running and jogging and we want to kickstart it with the Rivers International Marathon.”
The former Super Eagles goalkeeper, media officer and pundit on cable television, Supersport, added that the introduction of the five-kilometre race was designed to get the young and the not too old to join the event, saying that Rivers State hopes to encourage regular kip fit events after the race.
He said that registration is still open for intending runners, both professional and social, who want to make history at the race.
