By Amaechi Agbo

No fewer than 250 security personnel from across the federation have registered to participate in the 3rd edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces half marathon, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

The annual athletic event which was first held in 2017 will hold on Saturday, June 15, 2019.
The 3rd edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces and other security Agencies Half Marathon Championship Abuja 2019, is scheduled to take off by 6am from Dutse Junction to Sports Complex of Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment.

The half marathon is expected to cover a distance of 21.5km. This year’s edition also includes the participation of veteran officers who are expected to cover a distance of 10km.

Speaking in a press briefing on Tuesday, chairman of the organising committee, Commodore Nuhu Jidere Bala said the armed forces and other security agencies marathon, is an annual sporting event initiated to foster unity and promote love within the security agencies in the country.

He noted that there are star prizes to be won by individual and group marathoners at the end of the exercise.

“The first edition of the championship took place in 2017 while the second edition was in June 2018. The aim and objective of the exercise is to further cement the existing relationship between the Armed Forces and other security agencies through sports. The championship consists of 14 security agencies including the armed forces of Nigeria.

“The half marathon is expected to cover a distance of 21.5km. this year’s edition also includes the participation of veteran officers. They are expected to cover a distance of 10km.
“The starting point for the regular marathoners is Public Service Institute at Dutse Junction, along Kubwa Expressway.

“Members of the organising committee for the exercise are drawn from the participating security agencies and the armed forces of Nigeria including representatives from the Athletuc Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development as well as FCT Sports Council.

“The championship has attracted highly revered and esteemed sponsors such as Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing which donated an IVM G5 SUV car; Mujaf Global Automobile donated by Hyndai Elentra; Elizade Motors donated a Toyota Yaris 2018 Model.

“Others are Thermocool which donated deep freezer, Fridges and washing machines; Sapphire Scents donated assorted scents and wrist watches; Emzor Pharmaceuticals donated cartons of para1000, a brand of the company;
“Other sponsors include Federal Inland revenue Services, FIRS;7up Bottling Company, Zenith Bank, Airtel, Habib Yogourt, Arch Expo, Devine Info, DSTV and Gasweez Consult Limited and many others.

“The event also enjoys the goodwill and support of all the Service Chiefs, IGP as well as heads of security agencies. There are a lot of mouth-watering prizes to be worn including cash,” he said.

Commodore Bala assured Nigerians especially Abuja residents of free flow of movements and respect to human dignity and called on them not to entertain fears. He further called on their understanding stating that part of the Abuja-Zuba Expressway will be closed from public for the duration of the exercise.