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Koko Marathon has become a sports tradition for the people of Koko community and Warri North since its premiere edition in 2022.
As the organisers prepare to host the fourth edition this year; one can confidently say that the Koko marathon serves as a conduit for rapid grassroots development for Koko community.
In an attempt to get feelers from the organisers on their anticipation and preparedness for the forthcoming event billed for the 28 of this month, one cannot help but notice some sports enthusiasts wearing the Koko marathon tagged T-shirts to create awareness of the forthcoming event.
When asked by our public engagement officer of what the public is likely to expect in this year’s edition, a representative of the organisers and Ugbajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY) third vice president, Comrade Lily-white Esigbone, stated that the 2026 edition will be a different edition because of the pre marathon activities lined up for the event.
“The pre-marathon activities included activities such as meet and greet, visitation of the Nana Living Museum by visitors coming from outside Delta state and the Koko community.
“We even have runners from Edo and Bayelsa states who have registered and billed to participate in the marathon.
“A runner from Lagos state who is yet to conclude his registration has also indicated interest in participating as well.
“Bikers from Edo and Bayelsa states have volunteered to come and will also be part of the activities.
“By God’s grace we have gotten support from the Warri North Local Government chairman, Honourable Festus Ashima and the Commanding officer 90 Amphibious Battalion, Koko, Lt. Col. Mustapha Garba.
“I would like to state categorically that the 90 Amphibious Battalion is partnering with us in this year’s edition,” she added.
She further emphasized that as part of the pre marathon race, visitors will be able to explore the Nana Living Museum and take home valuable history lessons from the visit.
“The meet and greet party like I earlier said will avail us the opportunity to get to know ourselves and connect beyond sports.
“Part of the marathon is not just to come and run, it is a way of bringing grassroots development. During discussions in the meet and greet we will engage ourselves in conversations, harping on issues like what can be done and how we can grow at the grassroots level not just in sports alone but also business.”
She disclosed that the marathon will kick off as early as 6:30 am in the morning of the stipulated date for its commencement from the proposed and uncompleted Koko stadium and end at the Nana Living Museum.
“Why we decided to use the uncompleted Koko stadium as a starting point is that we want to draw the attention of the administration of His Excellency, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to the state of the stadium.
“That stadium has been there for years and we believe that if it is completed there are other sporting activities that will bring rapid economic development to the LGA”
She reiterated that using the uncompleted Koko stadium as a starting point for the marathon is an SOS to the Delta state governor to push grassroots development.
“Our media partners for now is Warri Sentinel and Warri Gist, and Itsekiri TV channel; they have been really amazing and we can guarantee that on that day whenever you are you can watch it live”
“Our other partners include; Roli Marble Foundation, Elmark Construction and Show and Vibes, and some other persons supporting financially.
“For us it is not just about finance only; for example Destimond Apartments is also partnering with us through the provision of accommodation for our runners and visitors; and also EPZ Trade Zone Koko is also our partner,” she disclosed.
Another representative for the organisers, Comrade Tosan Osandatunwa, on his part said this year’s edition will sell the Koko brand to Delta state and Nigeria in general.
“The Koko marathon race voice is becoming louder and by God’s grace it will be streamed live and it is going to be more than what people will expect; just anticipate” he added.
