The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Nov. 24, Coal City Marathon in Enugu says no fewer than 1,320 local and international long distance runners from Kenya and Ethiopia had registered for the event.
Mr Nzube Ndiokwelu, the Head, Marketing and Sponsorship of the marathon, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Enugu.
Ndiokwelu said the committee had targeted a maximum of 3,000 participants for the competition.
“This is to ensure easy control and adequate care for the athletes,’’ he said.
Ndiokwelu said the LOC had also secured sponsorship from reputable firms, including the Ethiopian Airlines and RedBull Energy Drink among others.
“The committee also signed sponsorship agreement with Three Crown Milks and Kwese Cable Television as official television partners,’’ he said.
Ndiokwelu said that the competition would provide ample opportunities for athletes and spectators to visit tourist sites in the state.
“The marathon period will be used to showcase the rich culture and tourism attraction of Enugu state to the world,’’ he said.
Ndiokwelu expressed optimism that the marathon would help to put the state on the world map, especially in terms of economic development and discovery of talents.
He said the prize money for the winners in the male and female categories included 3,500 dollars for winners, 3,000 dollars and 2,500 dollars for first and second runners-up, respectively.
He said that there would be prize money for the first six winners in each category as well as other consolation prizes.(NAN)