By Modupe Gbadeyanka
All is now set for the Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Ijebu-Ode as the sponsor, Bigi brand of Rite Foods Limited, has put all things in place to energize dehydrated participants with the freshness and vigour it offers.
The 21-kilometre race competition is initiated by the Ogun State Government. The take-off point is the Tunde Debasco Road, Ejirin, with the endpoint at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode.
Information has it that several local and international athletes have indicated their willingness to participate in the competition and the ancient town is preparing to welcome them.
At the moment, the anticipated event has created a new atmosphere in the town, which is now wearing a sporting look.
For the half marathon, the organisers said there will be six Bigi Water Points at every 2.5 kilometres and the stars expected to grace it are Kenya’s Bernard Sang, who was first at the 2020 Istanbul Marathon, Hosea Chirchir Kiplimo, Rhonzas Lokitam, Kilimo, Eliud Mewangi, Sammy Nyokaye, John Muriuri Mburi, William Amponsah, Titus Kipruto Kibiego, Paul Korch, Uganda’s Ezekiel Chepkoromk and Azerbaijan’s Desta Fitsun Weldu.
The female participants include Shila Jepkosgei, who is a World Athletics gold-label runner, Ghana’s Juliana Lariba Sakat, Kenya’s Gladys Jepkemoi Chemweno, Caern Jebet Maiyo, Ruth Karanja, Susy Chebet Chemaimak, Hannah Wanjiru Gatheru, Uganda’s Racheal Zena Chebet, and Bahrain’s Damaris Muthee Mutua.
Commending Rite Foods for its immense role in ensuring that the competition comes to fruition, the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Oluwadare Kehinde, thanked Rite Foods for its support and enjoined all participants to take the race in the spirit of friendship, admonishing them to adhere to laid down health rules and safety standards during the race.
On his part, a community leader in Ijebu-land, Mr Olawale Akinola, eulogised the world-class company for placing Ijebu on the global map of sporting activities.
