The executive governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, has promised to sustain the Kaduna Marathon even as the winner of the race will pocket $10, 000, Bestchoicesports.com.ng understands

The marathon which hold on November 21, 2020, Governor El Rufai called on all indigenes of the state, both old and young, to be involved in the race. “As 80 years old participate regularly in international marathons, Kaduna should not be different.”

He noted, while planning for the marathon, Kaduna is aware of the preventing measures for the Coronavirus.

“We shall strictly follow the protocols during the race, as I am a graduate of Coronavirus, after surviving the virus. I will participate in the race, but I will not run more than 5 kilometres.

“I implore all to register for the Kaduna Marathon. We are doing our best to restore Kaduna back to its glory years, where anybody in Nigeria can retire to without ethnic or religious sentiments.

“The Kaduna Marathon is not my initiative, but that of our team of technocrats. You need not to compliment the governor for this, this huge initiative is that of the dedicated team.”

The governor added that the vision of Kaduna Marathon is to establish a sustainable, diversified, community-focused running event, encourage athletes, families and persons at all levels to lead healthy and competitive lifestyles through running.

Take off point for the Kaduna Marathon 2020 is the Muritala Muhammed Square and the race will pass through the three major local governments in Kaduna and also the metropolis to carry the people along the historic event.

According to Governor El Rufai, the Kaduna Marathon 2020 will cost between N250m to N300 million with private sponsorships and donations, with no recourse to public funds.

He added: “We want to double our prize money every year, I assure everyone that this Marathon will be sustained. At least I assure you all until 2023 when I will leave office, and I am sure the subsequent government won’t throw away the unique Marathon.

“We want to give our youths a sustainable life, expect more sports to come to Kaduna. We are going to draw up a 10 to 15 year blue print to develop sports in the state. Kaduna has contributed to the success of Nigerian sports more than any state in the country.

“The MD of Nimasa announced the parastatal’s sponsorship of the Kaduna Marathon.”

The winner of the elite race of 10 kilometres will take home a cash prize of $10,000, while the top 10 winners will all get cash prizes with the 10th placed taking $1,000.

Local winner in the male and female categories to get N3milion each. Top 10 local winners to get cash prize, with the 10th placed getting N250,000.

A total of 20 elite runners (10 male and 10 female) have been invited.