Try this in Oyo state - Seyi Makinde advised after running Houston marathon in 2hrs

Hassan Abdulsalam 13:26 - 21 January 2025

Nigerians have suggested that Oyo State government should organise its own marathon.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's completion of the Houston Half Marathon has sparked a conversation among Nigerians about the potential for a similar event back in Nigeria.

Seyi Makinde: Oyo state governor completes Houston marathon in 2hrs 53 mins

Many citizens are now questioning why the state doesn't have its own official marathon race.

Glad to have completed the Houston Half Marathon in 2 hours 53 minutes today. Though conditions were tough with freezing temperatures at 1 degree Celsius, I finished faster than the Berkeley Half Marathon which I ran about 2 years ago. I also took part in a 5k fun run yesterday… pic.twitter.com/npEMKUW5AQ
— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) January 19, 2025

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Seyi Makinde: Oyo state governor completes Houston marathon in 2hrs 53 mins

Seyi Makinde advised after running Houston marathon in 2hrs

Social media has been buzzing with comments and discussions, with many Nigerians suggesting that Oyo State could capitalise on this growing interest by establishing its marathon.

Sports Gist

Seyi Makinde: Oyo state governor completes Houston marathon in 2hrs 53 mins

Supporters of the idea argued that a state-sponsored marathon could attract both local and international runners, boosting tourism and generating revenue for the state.

Critics, while acknowledging the potential benefits, have raised concerns about the resources and infrastructure required to organisze a successful marathon.

Here are some of the reactions:

I think Oyo state should have its own annual marathon event just like the access bank marathon in Lagos.
— Bayo SAKA SADIQ (@Jollof101) January 19, 2025

It would be great to have a similar marathon event in Oyo state.
— Dare Oluwajuyitan (@DOluwajuyitan) January 20, 2025

Maybe we should try this in your state Sir. I might out run you and win a scholarship to study in the US.
— KING'S (@GIDKKING) January 19, 2025

Mans can’t arrange 1 marathon in Ibadan..useless governor 🙄
— JT SOYINKA (@Gabriel18906129) January 20, 2025

Everybody saying "do this in your state", it's obvious y'all just talk without thinking. Splash FM organizes IBADAN CITY MARATHON, which is supported by the government.

Y'all need to take several seats.
— Bọ́lájí Of Ìbàdàn (@UncleLayon) January 20, 2025

Lagos State hosts the Lagos City Marathon, Abuja has the Abuja International Marathon, and several other states in Nigeria also have their own road races.