In a united front, major running clubs in Abuja have expressed deep disappointment and strong condemnation of the recent ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Half Marathon held in the Nigerian capital.
The Clubs, in a joint statement issued yesterday, said the event, which was anticipated to celebrate regional unity and athleticism, left many participants facing serious health risks due to inadequate provisions.
Participants reported being exposed to extreme heat during the race, exacerbated by a late start time that forced runners to tackle the course during peak temperatures. The hydration stations along the route were insufficient, with many running out of water before even 10% of the runners had passed.
This dire situation raised serious concerns about the health and safety of those competing, particularly for individuals not affiliated with any running clubs who may have lacked access to additional support.
The running clubs took it upon themselves to provide hydration and fruits to their members and fellow runners, underscoring the communal spirit within the running community. However, they lamented that such support should not have been necessary in an event of this scale. “We shudder to imagine how the experience was for participants who weren’t affiliated with running clubs,” the statement read.
The statement further criticized the organizers for the lack of volunteers and poorly executed road closures that compromised the safety of the runners. Many runners faced dangerous situations as vehicles shared the course, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Adding to the frustration, participants were left without the promised finisher medals, a gesture that is customary in running events and serves as a token of accomplishment for dedicated training and effort. The absence of these medals was described as a “slap in the face” to the athletes who committed their time and energy to the race.
The running clubs are calling for accountability from the event organizers and demand an official apology to the running community in Abuja. They also urge local authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and implement measures to prevent such lapses in future events.
As advocates for runner safety and rights, the clubs have vowed to continue their efforts to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all athletes. They are also encouraging members of the running community to boycott any future races organized by the same entity unless significant improvements are made.
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