The organisers of Bonny Island Marathon, Realmlux Limited have on Saturday, August 26, 2023, officially announced November 11, 2023 for its 6th edition.
Bonny Island Marathon is an annual sports-tourism event that showcases one of Nigeria’s most iconic places while presenting athletes with opportunities. Each year comes with a unique theme to address a social issue of community and national importance. The theme for 2023 edition of the Bonny Island Marathon is #BreakFree.
Bonny Island Marathon Announces 2023 Theme
The theme, according to Boma Halliday, Project Lead, is intended “for individuals to rise up to the challenge of present society. A society where you can easily get lost in work, expectations, and demands, that you forget to take care of yourself, your health, and your mental well-being ultimately, hindering yourself from meeting your full potential.”
Economic Benefits of Bonny Island Marathon…
In a press conference, Mr. Halliday stated that “up to 35% of participation at the BIM is drawn from outside Bonny Island. That is up to 875 people from the average 2,500 participants.”
He added that “an average visitor spends about two nights in Bonny spending at least $30 covering basic food shopping, accommodation, and mobility. That’s about $26,250 cash flow going into Bonny.” This is a boost of socio-economic benefit to the local government and the state.
The Bonny Island Marathon, according to the Project Lead, has maintained over 20% participant growth rate yearly having over 50% as returning runners.
Milestones…
Since inception in 2018 till date, the BIM has recorded good milestones with higher expectations from the 2023 (6th) edition. Some of these milestones according to Owen Shedrack, the Managing Director of Outsaurce, include Sports-Tourism Growth, Community Engagement, Promotion of Healthy lifestyles, increase in participation, Socio-Economic Benefits, uniting diverse communities, impact on Bonny Island.
Registration Open to the Public
It is a custom for the Bonny Island Marathon to begin the season with an official call for registration. Beginning from August 26, registration is open to the public with specific requirements according to categories – www.bonnyIslandMarathon.com.ng – until October 31, 2023.
Categories for participation in the 6th edition of the Bonny Island Marathon include Elite, Teen, Leisure and Special Need categories.
This year, the Elite category winners will be up to ten. Male and Female category respectively. The Teens and Spécial Needs Categories will have three cash-prize winners each, both male and female respectively. Meanwhile, the leisure and seven other respective positions will receive gift prizes.
The new 15km category will maintain its routes and terminate at Government School, while 10km runners will kick off from Willbros Junction and terminate at Government school, Shell Gate in Bonny Local Government Area.
Future Aspirations and Vision
While speaking about long term aspirations for global recognition, the Project Lead, Boma Halliday said that “creating an internationally recognised Marathon brand in the BIM contributes to the positive brand value for Nigeria, not just Rivers State or Bonny Island.”
In addition, he said the team is “working hard to put in place ground logistics and sort out necessary technicalities that will allow us to host International runners in the near future. This we are trying to achieve with existing conversations with countries with embassies in Nigeria.”
The #BreakFree (6th) edition of the Bonny Island Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Bonny Island Marathon Prioritises Security and Safety of Participants
Security is something many may have perceived to be a thing of concern but it has never not been taken control of. Upon early realisation of this factor, the team considered it as a priority, and since 2018 when the BIM started till date, there has never been a record of casualty or any ugly security situation.
…Calls for Sponsorship and Collaborations
The organisers are calling on interested partners and sponsors including stakeholders who would like to contribute and be part of the success of this year’s edition saying they are open for sponsorships and collaboration to drive more value.
Outsaurce has remained the official strategic marketing partner for the Bonny Island Marathon since inception in 2018 till date.
The Project Lead of the BIM, Boma Halliday expressed appreciation to his team leads – Telema Halliday, Victor Banigo, Mirabel Joshua, Nada Pepple – for their effort in making the annual event a success.
…be heard, be seen, be celebrated!
