ORIGIN OF MARATHON
Marathon is a medieval sport that has its root in ancient Greece, and spread to the Roman Empire and other parts of Europe. The sport was a pastime, and attracts energetic young men to flaunt their athletic prowess.
The sport soared in popularity over time, and later evolved into an Olympic event after apparent modifications/control by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
WHAT IS MARATHON RACE? - Long distances sports races
Standard Marathons: (1) 21kms (2) 42kms
TYPES OF MARATHON
- International
- National /Local
International Marathon – Participation is by foreign and local athletes, professional and amateur marathoners on invitation by organizers. Race is approved, supervised, monitored and officiated by International and local regulatory bodies e.g. IAAF and AFN.
National/ Local Marathon
No invitational for foreign marathoners but national and local athletes only, and officiated by national and local regulatory bodies.
INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL MARATHON REGULATORY BODIES
- Association of International Marathons (AIMS).
- International Association of Athletes Federations (IAAF).
- Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
THE PORT HARCOURT INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
A BACKGROUND
The first edition of the Port Harcourt International Marathon took place precisely on the 6th of June, 2009 and was aptly tagged “RUN FOR PEACE” in consonance with societal realities still relevant today.
The event recorded over 10,000.00 participants from both local and foreign athletes across different continents of the world in a serene atmosphere with top notch security/logistic provisions, and was adjudged the best marathon ever organized in Nigeria by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, AFN. The impressive success, ultimately led to other marathon platforms in Nigeria.
Total prize package for the first edition was $55,000.00 US dollars, with top prize winners (male/female) pocketing a handsome $10,000.00 US dollars each, while the first/second runner ups (male/female) carted home $7,500.00 and $5,000.00 respectively, with lots of consolation prizes. Also, national/local athletes were awarded mount watering cash prizes with special emphasis on local talents.
Prize money for PHIM 2016 edition is increased to a whopping $100,000.00 US dollars. This was consciously planned to expand/elevate the event to attract wider participation and endorsement.
WHY MARATHON?
The role of sports in human endeavor cannot be over emphasized. In general terms, sports have opened vistas of opportunities in most economies of the world, particularly amongst youths in developing countries.
Marathon as a sport is the only event with capacity to accommodate multiple thousands of athletes, professional/non professionals at a single swoop competing for laurels at the same space and time. Several talents has been discovered in such exercise and developed to become world stars.
Also, Marathon is non gender sensitive as both male and female enthusiasts can participate, neither is it age selective, as the young and old are attracted to it globally. In fact, the sport has become a major economic vehicle for countries and participants (Athletes/sponsors) and Nigeria is fast catching up with the trend.
BENEFITS
The Port Harcourt Marathon and Football fans Tournament- 2016 shall be beneficial thus:
- Be a very strong integrative platform for Athletes, Football Fans, Footballers, Football Managers and other Stakeholders from across the World.
- Build stronger relationships, beneficial for Sports tourism and human capital development.
- Give opportunities for the discovery of new and developing talents that could be signed up by scouting athletics and football managers.
- Offer inexhaustible opportunities for active minds engagements, particularly of the youths and fanatical football fans, Foster a more harmonious game spirit of Fair Play, No Racism, No Hooliganism among Fans, Players, Administrators, Managers and all Stakeholders.
- Development of Sports Tourism and Sports Infrastructure.
- Youth Capacity Development and Talent Discoveries, Youth engagement and better future offer.
- Increase financial earnings for Local Professionals.
- Boost Economic Activities and financial earnings for direct and indirect participants.
- Uncommon broad opportunities for corporate Brand visibility, positioning and strengthening.
- Unusual corporate image builder at National and International levels.
- Opportunity to attract more global interest on investment, showcase investment windows, reposition state and increase rating in the committee of states.
- Bringing world class sport activity, world class people, and world interest to Local environment.
CONCLUSION
The multiplier effects of marathon events are unquantifiable. Apart from specific benefits outlined, the Port Harcourt International Marathon shall be a veritable platform to rebrand Rivers State as a peaceful haven for sports and business tourism in Nigeria.
We are convinced that with synergy and commitment, the second edition of PHIM 2016 will be a huge success. I therefore implore you to give it all it takes and partner us to reignite “the spirit of Port Harcourt”.
SPONSORSHIP CLASS
Sponsorship is categorized into (1) DIAMOND (2) GOLD (3) SILVER (4) BRONZE & (5) SINGLE WINDOW PARTNERS, and intending sponsors are expected to make contributions on or before forty (40) days to event and fully maximize benefits attached to their categories.