Vanderpuye, Ayariga to compete millennium marathon race

BY Abubakari Seidu Ajarfor, [email protected]
The two top government officials, the Mayor of Accra and the Sports Minister have openly declared their intentions to compete for the top position in the upcoming Millennium Marathon International scheduled for September 2015.

The first ever International Marathon to be held in Accra on Sunday September 6, 2015 was officially unveiled at Alisa hotel in Accra.

The event was joined by the Mayor of Accra (Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye), Minister for Youth and Sports (Mahama Ayariga), Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare), Deputy Minister of Health (Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe) and Africa's finest runner, Dr. Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia.

In their keynote addresses, the Sports Minister Mahama Ayariga has assured that he will take part in the Millennium Marathon race until he emerges the winner.

He mentioned that pursuant to the race he has been exercising with high expectation that he was going to, beyond any reasonable doubts reach the highest record.

According to him, many at times, marathon races have had low patronage and at some point neglected because of the lack of interest.

The Sports Minister noted that marathon race shall be revived since efforts are being made to make it as an annual event in the history calendar of Ghana.

Mahama Ayariga assured of his full support to all this important marathon race adding that they are going to select capable men and women from the corners of this country to run.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye has promised to compete the Sports Minister in the upcoming International Millennium Marathon Race.

“I promise I will run, and will compete the Sports Minister even if he goes 52K, I will go 53k,” he stated.

He said his outfit will put all workers and staff to work to clean and clear all wastages especially in the approved routes.

The race which is dubbed “Run the change in you” is expected to attract over 10,000 people competing for half marathon race (21 Kilometers) as well as family and ambassadorial race (5 kilometers) including a 100 Kilometer spectators.

The first ever Millennium Marathon International Race is aimed at giving international and local runners, families and wider communities the continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and sharing of skills, tourism and friendship with families.