Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has announced a 100% increase in the SDD Bayelsa Marathon’s top prize money.
During the grand finale of the 6th edition held in Yenagoa on Saturday, a key event marking the sixth anniversary of his administration, Diri revealed that the winner’s purse will jump from N1 million to N2 million starting next year.
The 10-kilometre elite race, which saw athletes dash from the Etegwe/Edepie roundabout to the finish line, was largely a showcase of North-Central endurance.
Plateau State enjoyed a “clean sweep” in the women’s category, while also claiming the top two spots in the men’s division.
In the Men’s Elite category, Gang James from Plateau won first place, taking home ₦1,000,000. Francis James, also from Plateau, came second with ₦500,000, while Israel Sadjo from Cross River secured third place, earning ₦300,000.
READ ALSO
In the Women’s Elite category, Akusho Lydia Thomas of Plateau claimed first place with ₦1,000,000. Vivian Obadiah, also from Plateau, finished second with ₦500,000, and Tanko Nvou Jyany of Plateau took third place, receiving ₦300,000.
The event also featured a dedicated Teens Category, aimed at discovering and nurturing talent among secondary school students within the state.
Beyond local celebrations, the governor used the platform to announce the upcoming Yenagoa City International Marathon, scheduled for April.
This move signals a strategic shift toward placing Bayelsa on the global athletics calendar.
Diri lauded the organising committee, led by Odonkumo Igbeita, for their consistency in sustaining the marathon’s vision over the last six years.
He further charged the Commissioner for Sports Development and Olympic legend, Daniel Igali, to maintain the current momentum in grassroots sports growth.
“We are committed to boosting sports development. To show our support for these athletes’ hard work, the top prize money will increase to N2 million from the next edition.”
