The Imo State Marathon, originally envisioned as a beacon of athletic excellence and community pride, has unfortunately become a tale of missed opportunities and growing frustrations.
Originally designed to promote health, unity, peace and tourism within the state, the marathon promised to elevate Imo State’s profile on both the national and international stages.
However, the event has been marred by mismanagement, turning what should have been a celebration of sport into a struggle for credibility and relevance.
Ab initio, the Imo State Marathon was met with enthusiasm. Athletes from across Nigeria and neighboring countries eagerly registered to participate, while local businesses and government agencies anticipated the economic and social benefits that such a major sporting event could bring.
The marathon was more than just a race; it was a platform to showcase Imo’s cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and the resilience of its people.
Yet, despite these promising beginnings, the organizational framework failed to keep pace with the event’s demands.
Furthermore, the impact of mismanagement extends beyond the immediate sporting community.
The local economy, which could have benefited significantly from increased tourism and related activities during the marathon period, has suffered setbacks.
Hotels, restaurants, and transport services, which remain a main economic stead for the city of Owerri, reported poor patronage.
The athletes themselves bear the brunt of this mismanagement. Many runners, who hitherto viewed the marathon as a critical stepping stone in their careers, found themselves struggling with poor race conditions, especially as the marathon, originally intended to start at 7.00am, eventually began at about 2.00pm.
This led to a decline in the quality of competition and a loss of enthusiasm among the sporting community. The marathon’s failure to uphold basic standards of professionalism not only undermines the athletes’ dedication but also stifles the development of sports talent within the state.
This 2025 edition, “Running for Peace,” aimed to foster a sense of unity and peace among participants, organizers, and spectators.
The marathon which was scheduled to start at 8:00 AM, however, commenced at 2:25 PM from the government house roundabout.
The delayed start posed significant challenges, particularly in terms of weather conditions. The scorching sun and high temperatures increased the risk of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and exhaustion among participants.
The harsh weather conditions proved to be a major challenge for both runners and medical teams.
Many participants succumbed to exhaustion, dehydration, falling and heat-related illnesses, with several cases of fainting reported during the event.
The medical teams had to work diligently to provide timely interventions and ensure the well-being of participants.
C-Health was not left out as their presence at the event was instrumental in ensuring the well-being of participants.
C-HEALTH medical team provided critical care, resuscitating over 10 victims through CPR, glucose administration, hydration, and other interventions.
Their expertise and prompt response mitigated the severity of heat-related illnesses, preventing potential catastrophes. The timely medical interventions provided by C-Health were a testament to their professionalism and dedication to saving lives.
The medical preparedness and proactive approach of C-Health ensured timely medical interventions, safeguarding participants’ health.
C-Health’s medical with collaboration from the Red Cross, Imo State chapter, played a vital role in providing critical care to participants.
Their interventions included CPR, glucose administration, hydration, and other medical treatments. The medical team’s prompt response and expertise helped prevent serious health complications and ensured the well-being of participants.
In response to challenges encountered in the 2025 edition of the marathon, there have been calls from various stakeholders – sports enthusiasts, civil society groups, and local government officials alike for a comprehensive overhaul of the marathon’s management.
Suggestions include the establishment of an independent organizing committee, transparent budgeting processes, and stronger partnerships with private sector sponsors.
Improved event planning and contingency planning are essential to mitigate delays and ensure a smooth execution of the event because running under the hot sun is not medical advised.
Also, enhanced medical support and preparedness are crucial to providing timely medical interventions and safeguarding participants’ health.
Finally, participant education on heat management, hydration, and safety protocols can help minimize risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.
Such reforms are essential to restore the marathon’s integrity and ensure that it fulfills its original purpose as a catalyst for community development and sporting excellence.
Ultimately, the story of the Imo State Marathon is a cautionary tale about how mismanagement can derail even the most promising initiatives.
The transition from a highly anticipated sporting event to a struggle for survival highlights the critical importance of good governance, accountability, and community engagement in organizing large-scale events.
With renewed commitment and strategic reforms, there remains hope that the Imo State Marathon can gain a rightful place as a symbol of pride and progress for the people of Imo State.
My friend went for the marathon excited and all, came back around 10am, I was like who won the 1million, he replied with, ask me if they have started before I left. Peoples moral went down with the delay, they should do better next time.