Forms for 4th edition of Ogbomoso Marathon Race out, open to professionals and amateurs, Soun hailed

Forms for 4th edition of Ogbomoso Marathon Race out, open to professionals and amateurs, Soun hailed

Khalid ABRAHAM

Saturday, December 20 has been unveiled as the date for the fourth edition of the Ogbomoso Marathon Race with forms for participants also released.

This is according to the co-chairman (organising and logistics), Hon. Sola Kolawole, who also hailed the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III for his support for sports development.

Hon Kolawole speaking with ogbomosoinsightonline.com said preparation was in top-gear for the race just as he informed that the race was open to professional and amateur marathoners.

He added that the event which began five years ago aims to among others put Ogbomoso on the world map of athletics and discover potentials in marathon races.

“The Ogbomoso Marathon Race is conceived to put the name of the city on the world athletics map. We are also motivated to discover talents in marathon races, so that in future we can produce state, national and world champions. Sports has become a goldmine, we want Ogbomoso to tap into it through producing world beaters,” Hon Kolawole stated.

He noted that the 2025 edition would be in partnership with the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival Committee, while lauding the initiative of the Soun in sports development and in expanding the social and economic frontiers of Ogbomoso zone.

“We are inspired by the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival initiative of our revered monarch His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III the Soun of Ogbomosoland and other initiatives in sports, social and economic development,” he noted, adding, “The 25 year-development plan is an incredible roadmap developed by our monarch and we are happy sports development is part of it. This is setting new foundation for changing the narratives in Ogbomoso. We key into His Majesty’s ideas and since ours align with his initiative we are happy to forge partnership with the Cradles Carnival Committee.”

The 2025 edition he disclosed would feature three categories of races including 10km race for participants aged 18 years and above, 5km for students and other children below 18 years of age, while the seniors aged 55 years and above would take part in a 2km fun walk. There will also be aerobic fitness sessions, it’s stated just as he informed fabulous prizes await winners.

The 10km race to commence at Ogbomoso High School has the following route designated: Ogbomoso High School – Baptist High School junction – Aromowole junction – Ora gada roundabout – Abogunde junction – Isale Ora junction – Ojaigbo/ Ogbomoso Central Mosque – Orita Naira intersection – Oke Ado Akintola – LAUTECH Teaching Hospital – Isale General – Akintola Roundabout at Winners Area. The race will end at the Soun Stadium.

Kolawole further informed that registration forms are free and could be obtained at various locations including the 5 local government secretariats in Ogbomoso zone, Chief Dare’s Ogbomoso Sports Arena beside Idi-Oro Baptist Church, Soun Stadium, Director of Sport LAUTECH Ogbomoso office and Evergreen Hotel at Agbonin.

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to be part of the event by “showing enthusiasm and passion and hailing the athletes when they pass their areas. Let’s make it fun. The event will continue to be bigger. We urge other philanthropists and sports lovers to support the initiative.”

For enquiries and registration assistance, participants can contact Hon. Sola Kolawole on 08029875066, Engr Olalekan (08069240114) and Hon Olaniyan Olatunji (07068503438).