Bayelsa Government Hikes Prize Money as 6th SDD Bayelsa Marathon Celebrates Sporting Excellence; Announces Yenagoa City International Marathon for April

Governor Douye Diri has raised the stakes for road running in Bayelsa State, increasing the top prize at the 6th Senator Douye Diri (SDD) Bayelsa Marathon and unveiling plans for a new Yenagoa City International Marathon scheduled for April. 

The marathon, held in Yenagoa as part of celebrations marking the sixth anniversary of Governor Diri’s administration, attracted elite competitors from across Nigeria on the 10‑kilometre route from Etegwe/Edepie Roundabout. 

In the men’s elite category, Gang James of Plateau State crossed the finish line first, followed by Francis James and Israel Sadjo of Cross River State in second and third places respectively. In a dominant display in the women’s category, athletes from Plateau State—Akusho Lydia Thomas, Vivian Obadiah, and Tanko Nvou Jyany—claimed the top three positions. 

Secondary school students also took part in the teens category, highlighting the event’s growing appeal among youth athletes. 

As part of the prize structure for this year’s elite race, winners received ₦1,000,000 for first place, ₦500,000 for second, and ₦300,000 for third. 

Addressing organisers and athletes, Governor Diri praised the organisers led by Odonkumo Igbeita for sustaining the marathon’s vision of promoting fitness, sports development and healthy living across Bayelsa. He then announced a significant boost to the top prize for future editions, raising the first‑place award from ₦1 million to ₦2 million beginning with the next marathon. 

The governor also urged the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, and the organising committee to maintain the momentum in building Bayelsa’s sporting profile, particularly as the state prepares for its upcoming Yenagoa City International Marathon in April. This ambitious event is expected to attract more elite and recreational runners from across Nigeria and beyond, positioning Yenagoa as a rising hub for athletics. 

Governor Diri’s commitment to sports is consistent with Bayelsa’s broader efforts to elevate athletic competition in the region. The new international marathon aims to complement the state’s calendar of sporting events and expand opportunities for local athletes to compete at higher levels.