The Caretaker Committee (CTC) of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) students’ union has revealed its plans to organize a 13.2km marathon for both postgraduate and undergraduate students of the institution.
The marathon event, scheduled for October 21st within the school premises, aims to promote fitness, reduce stress, and fulfill the responsibilities of the apex students’ body at the university.
Akande Fatai Ayomide, the Social Director of the Students’ Union Caretaker Committee (CTC), noted that interested runners are to register for the one-day event with the sum of N500 on or before 19th October.
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He listed the modalities for the exercise to include; purchasing a registration form, following a predetermined route, covering a particular distance, route marking, mode of travel, time limit, aid station, medical support, official result, and disqualification.
The social director stated that winning the marathon attracts a cash prize of N20,000, while the first runner-up and second runner-up get N15,000 and N10,000 cash prizes respectively.
Continuing, he disclosed that winners will get other gifts including “products from our sponsors, certificate of participation, a medal, and recognition during award night”, adding that “the first 3 ladies to finish the event will have special gifts.”
According to him, the special gift will serve as encouragement for the female participants, noting that physical exercise is often considered a men’s thing, adding that the marathon is just a shift from the usual social event for students on campus.
“Over the years, UDUS Social events have been limited to fitness trek, talent hunt, and the likes of what students are getting bored of. That’s why we decided to do something different, if not total, this time around.
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“Apart from the prizes to be won, the most important thing is the overall health benefits which is not limited to only physical health but also mental health that comes with running a marathon,” he added
Orelope Habeeb, who is the head of planning and monitoring committee, while speaking with this reporter, stated the planning process is going smoothly, adding the event has secured some sponsorship.
“So far, we have been able to secure sponsorship from Access Bank, Munro Glucose D, and Checkers Custard while we hope for more sponsors,” he said.