The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has said the 2026 edition of the Calabar Marathon is a symbolic reminder of Government's responsibility to the people who gave it the mandate to serve.
Governor Otu, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Agnes Atsu, at the flag-off of the marathon in Calabar on Saturday, said the theme of this year's edition, "Run For Conscience Against Poverty," encapsulates the core philosophy of his administration.
She explained that the People First mantra upon which the administration came to power over three years ago was built on the resolve to consciously fight and defeat poverty in Cross River State, hence the need to use the marathon to reawaken the collective conscience to the plight of the vulnerable.
"Cross Riverians, we are here again to do what we do best. This year's theme resonates with what this government stands for. It says 'Run for Conscience Against Poverty' and we all know this administration came with a mantra of People First," Dr. Atsu said.
The Commissioner charged athletes participating in the race to draw strength from Isaiah 40:31, assuring them that they "shall run and not be weary, shall walk and not faint," adding that the routes and their lives have been spiritually covered.
She commended the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, headed by Mr John Utsu and other partners for organizing the marathon, which she noted is a curtain-raiser for Carnival Calabar, Africa's biggest street party.
The Governor's representative also disclosed that the administration is set to host the Governor's Golf Tour as part of major events lined up for this year's Calabar Festival, noting that massive renovation work is ongoing at the Calabar Golf Club to position the state on the global tourism map.
She thereafter declared the well-attended marathon open after observing a minute's silence in honour of the immediate past Managing Director of the Tourism Bureau, the late Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong.
The Calabar Marathon is a 21.1km half marathon for professionals, with a 10km category and a 5km for home based and fun runners respectively.
By Nakanda Iyadim
