2023 Defence Forces Marathon: Veteran Contests and Grand Prizes!
Fifty-two personnel from the Nigerian armed forces, intelligence, and security services will participate in the fourth edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Half Marathon Championship in Abuja.
Within this group, veterans of both genders have served in diverse security services and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, who is also the committee chair for the event, made the statement last week.
He said that on Saturday, December 9, there would be two races: a 25.1-kilometer run for both men and women and a 5-kilometer run specifically for veterans.
“The goal of the championship, as stated by Marquis, is to offer a platform for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, as well as their personnel, to participate in competitive sporting activities.
This aims to enhance their skills, uncover new talents, and foster interaction among them.” In addition, they aim to maintain the strong sense of camaraderie that they have cultivated throughout their years of working together.
According to the chairperson, the event provided opportunities for both group and individual competitions. The veterans’ group consists of 70 persons, comprising both males and females, who are aged 65 and over. These individuals have served in the military and various security agencies.
We highly value the physical fitness of the marathoners. “The medical certificate is inviolable for this competition,” Marquis declared.
“Hence, I wanted to ensure that all participants in the marathon are aware that they must submit a medical fitness certificate by tomorrow at the latest,” he said.
He sought the aid of the residents and declared that the tournament’s route plans would be completed by Thursday, December 7th.
He cautioned that there could be “passengers” as a result of the mapping. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that we can utilise it to monitor the essential aspects required for us to remain competitive.
Therefore, we would like to seize this moment to cordially invite all the physically active people of Abuja and its surrounding areas to participate in the 2023 Defence, Armed Forces, and Agency Marathon.
We have already taken all necessary measures to ensure the smooth execution of this competition. We possess the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively manage any unforeseen medical crises and ensure the seamless execution of this marathon. He stated that because we are adequately prepared, we desire our marathon runners to possess an equivalent level of preparedness.
DHQ confirms that the Chief of Defence Staff is alive.
The chairman said that the male and female winners of the tournament will be awarded brand new automobiles as the grand prizes.
“Additionally, we offer monetary incentives to the second-place and third-place participants in the marathon,” Marquis supplemented. Medals and diplomas are offered to both solo and group participants.
Several sponsors have pledged to provide surprises for all participants. There will be a multitude of enticing rewards available at the event.