Bonny Island Marathon 2024: New Theme, Expanded Prizes, and a Push for International Label Status
Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria, July 18, 2024 – The Bonny Island Marathon proudly announces the theme for its 2024 edition: "Own Your Legacy". This year’s campaign aims to inspire individuals to take control of their destinies, make impactful decisions, and leave a lasting positive legacy, all while emphasizing personal growth and celebrating achievements during one’s lifetime.
At the Media Briefing held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Boma Halliday, CEO of Realmlux Ltd and Race Director of the Bonny Island Marathon, shared the excitement and strategic direction for this year’s event. As we step into the 7th edition of the marathon, we are not just continuing a tradition but also enhancing the experience and impact of this renowned event.
2023 Milestones and Achievements
Reflecting on the successes of the previous year, Halliday highlighted several key achievements:
● A 20% increase in overall participation, with runners from all states across the federation.
● Enhanced diversity among participants, including a notable increase in female runners and teenagers.
● Recognition of the Bonny Island Marathon as the “Emerging Sports Tourism Event” at
the Sport, Tourism & Diplomacy Forum 2023, marking its contribution to sports-tourism development in Africa.
This recognition from this prestigious awarding platform, which brings together stakeholders from the sports, tourism, and business ecosystems, including the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, La Liga, the African Tourism Board, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), underscores our commitment to putting Bonny on the global map and contributing to Africa’s development.
Solidifying Partnerships and Expanding Collaborations
This year, the marathon will continue to strengthen existing partnerships while forging new ones.
We are honored to have the ongoing support of key partners such as OUTSAURCE, and the
Bonny Local Government Council. Collaboration with local authorities, security agencies, and community stakeholders remains crucial to ensuring the smooth execution of the event.
Push for Label Status
A key objective for 2024 and our next phase is to secure a label status with the International
Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) through the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) or the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Achieving this status will enhance the Bonny Island Marathon’s reputation on the global stage, underscoring its commitment to high quality and international standards.
Increasing Participation and Improving Runner Experience
We aim to increase participation by 25% this year, striving to attract runners from across Nigeria and beyond. Our commitment to equity and inclusion continues, with efforts to support greater female and teen participation. The prize pool has been expanded, and the number of winners in various categories increased to recognize and reward more participants.
To ensure an exceptional runner experience, we have reviewed and refined the marathon route for optimal enjoyment and safety. Additionally, logistics and accommodation support for out-of-town runners are being enhanced to ease their experience.
2024 Bonny Island Marathon Event Schedule
The schedule for the 2024 Bonny Island Marathon includes the following key dates:
● Press Briefing: July 18, 2024
● Registration: Opens July 18 and closes November 10, 2024
● Media Rounds & Road Show: September 2024
● BIM Walk-A-Thon: October 2024
● Fitness to Participate Tests: October 2024 at various partner medical facilities
● Marathon Expo and Gear Collection: November 2024
● Race Day: November 16, 2024
Call for Registration and Partnership
Registration for the Bonny Island Marathon 2024 is now open to the public at www.bonnyIslandMarathon.com.ng and will remain open until November 10, 2024. We invite all stakeholders, partners, and potential sponsors to join us in making this year’s event the best yet. Interested parties can submit their partnership interest via our website or email at partnership@bonnyislandmarathon.com.ng.
Boma Halliday expressed his excitement about this year's theme, "Own Your Legacy," emphasizing that it is a powerful call to action for individuals to shape their futures through intentional actions. He reiterated the marathon's commitment to providing a platform for identifying and developing next-generation sporting talents while contributing to economic prosperity and community engagement.
Mr. Sokari Tobin, Chairman of the Advisory Board highlighted the significance of the Bonny Island Marathon's recognition at the Sport, Tourism & Diplomacy Forum 2023. He emphasized the marathon's role in sports-tourism development and its contribution to placing Bonny on the global map. Tobin also commended the dedication and efforts of the entire team and partners in achieving this milestone.
Engr. Lady Edith Opuada-Hart, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board: Opuada-Hart spoke about the importance of partnerships and collaborations in the success of the marathon. She acknowledged the invaluable support from sponsors, strategic partners, and the local community. Opuada-Hart also shared the board's enthusiasm for the increased participation and improved runner experience planned for this year's event.
Owen Shedrack, CEO of OUTSAURCE expressed pride in OUTSAURCE's continued partnership with the Bonny Island Marathon. He lauded the marathon's dedication to excellence and community impact, noting how the event aligns with OUTSAURCE's values of innovation and social responsibility. Shedrack reaffirmed OUTSAURCE's commitment to supporting the marathon's goals and contributing to its success.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Advisory Board members: Mr. Sokari Tobin (Chairman), Engr. Lady Edith Opuada-Hart (Vice Chairman), Mr. Eso Celestine Ugoeze, Mrs. Zainab Muhammad Garba, Mrs. Baa Amaka, Venerable Peter Kiribo Blu-Attoni, Mr. Adams Nasiru Joseph, and Mr. Luckyn Loveday Belema. Their dedication and support have been invaluable.
We also acknowledge the efforts of our team leads, including Telema Halliday, Victor Banigo, Mirabel Joshua, Nada Pepple, Atemie Jim-Halliday, Tamunotonye Jim-Halliday, Favour Nwachukwu and Francis Sokari. Their hard work and commitment are instrumental to our success.
Finally, we thank our key stakeholders: His Majesty, King Dr. Edward Asimini Williams Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, CON. JP. Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom, the Bonny Chief's Council, the Bonny Local Government through the CareTaker Committee Chairman, Hon. Anengi Barasua D. Claude-Wilcox, the Bonny Youths Federation, Federal Road Safety Commission, security agencies, and our past and present sponsors, most notably Nigeria LNG Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture, Infinox Capital, Evomec Global Services, and our strategic partners like OUTSAURCE and Supersports.
ABOUT THE BONNY ISLAND MARATHON
The Bonny Island Marathon is an annual athletic event committed to promoting sports, tourism, and community engagement in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria. Our mission is to inspire individuals to achieve personal excellence, contribute positively to their communities, and create
lasting legacies through the power of sport. We aim to provide a world-class marathon
experience that fosters inclusivity, celebrates diversity, and supports the development of next-generation sporting talents.
For media inquiries, please contact OUTSAURCE:
Email: partnerships@bonnyislandmarathon.com.ng
