World’s top runners set for Abuja City Half Marathon
Some of the world’s best runners have registered to participate in the Abuja City Half Marathon, which holds in the Federal Capital Territory on April 20. The race has Premium Trust Bank as the title sponsor.
Speaking in preparations for the race in Lagos on Monday, Nilayo Sports Management’s Managing Director, Bukola Olopade, whose firm is organizing the event, said due to the high standard attained in the maiden race, the Abuja City Half Marathon was being considered for a bronze label by the international half marathon body.
Olopade said: “That’s our target, as we prepare for this year’s edition, coming up on April 20. It doesn’t come cheap. It will be a record for a half marathon to attract a bronze label after just two editions,” he emphasised.
Also speaking on the race, the technical director of the Abuja City Half Marathon, Yusuf Ali, who doubles as Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, explained that under the target, this year’s edition will witness participation from numerous elite athletes from all over the world.
“Apart from that, every runner will bear chips and their name brands. We will also install spy cameras and other requirements for securing a label will be met,” he said.
Ali pointed out that the time returned at the race would be key to attaining the bronze label.
In his speech, Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, assured that the bank’s involvement in the Abuja City Half Marathon was an eloquent demonstration of his management’s commitment to the ideals of the bank.
“We are committed to the rapid development of sports in the country. We also support athletes in achieving their dreams.”
“PTB is a bank that prides itself as a forerunner in improving and impacting on the lives of the people,” he said.
He added that due to its commitment to the youth of the country, the bank endorsed Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume and had also been involved in other sports development projects in the past.
Emefienim likened the partnership between Premium Trust Bank and Nilayo Sports to a marathon.“It’s not a one-off thing. We are in a marathon,” he said.