One of the two sports activities in the ongoing July 22 anniversary celebrations, the marathon gets under this afternoon at Lamin, Tallinding Buffer zone and Banjul Breweries respectively for the 21, 15 and 10 kilometer races that will end at Arch 22 in Banjul.
Each race attracts “handsome” but so far undisclosed cash prizes and trophies for the gold, silver and bronze medal winners, as well as consolation for the remaining seven in the top ten finishers in all the three categories.
By press time yesterday, organisers say nearly 250 runners have registered for the races starting with roll call of all three starting points. At the finishing point in Banjul, a huge carnival will be held to mark the presentation of prizes and certificates to all runners. The 21km event which attracts the highest number of participants, will also be the most contested with both professional national long distance runners and part timers battling for the giant trophy. Samba Bah and Lamin Sanneh are some of the best known names for this category.
In the female 15km event, the battle will almost certainly be fought between Mariama Jallow and any other possible contenders.
In the 10km for students, the likes of Nyima Marong and others will be the leading light in this race that will surely feature young and budding long distance runners.
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