‘Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon will boost tourism in Osun’
The Race Director of the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon, Adedayo Akinbode has said that the marathon which will hold on February 4, 2018 will boost tourism in Osun State.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital, Akinbode said marathoners from different parts of the world will converge in Ile-Ife to partake in the 42.195 kilometer marathon.
The Race Director explained that the Ile-Ife Heritage Marathon was borne out of a desire to showcase to the world, the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
According to her, the marathon race event would also presents unique opportunities for visitors from within and outside Nigeria to have firsthand contacts with many of Ile Ife’s iconic cultural sites and values.
“It will also provide ample opportunity to introduce such event to the growing population of residents and People of the ancient city as a rallying platform for harmony, community and social development,” she noted.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Osun State Athletic Association, Mr. Ademola Adigun said the Ile-Ife heritage marathon race will meet the international standard.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports and Special Needs in Osun State, Mr. Biyi Odunlade declared the support of the state government for the marathon race.
Akinbode said the race which will involve 150 marathoners will commence from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) premises and that the runners will weave their way through the campus premises and the ancient city.