Seychelles readies itself for annual February Eco-Friendly Marathon challenge
Almasalla, ATP News- The 8th edition of the Eco-Friendly Marathon "should be your New Year s resolution or challenge, towards a healthier lifestyle."
This is the vision of Miss Giovanna Rousseau, chief executive officer of the Seychelles National Sports Council and event coordinator.
The organizing committee is hoping to set records, targeting a much bigger number of participants this year. Three thousand to be exact.
‘The marathon helps to bring Seychelles to the attention of more travelers and contributes to lifting the Seychelles brand around the world.The islands can expect to receive some 1200 overseas participants, on top of more than 1300 local participants’, says Julie Kim, the regional manager of Seychelles Tourist Office in Korea.
This will practically double the 1464 amount of the 7th edition.
Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon, taking place on Sunday the 22nd of February, has become an annual fixture on the Seychelles calendar of events. It is organized jointly by the National Sports Council, Seychelles Tourism Board and INOCEAN M&C (South Korean company headed by Seychelles Honorary Consul General Mr. Dong Chang Jeong).
The event will take off with the marathon and half marathon at 7 a.m. at the Beau-Vallon promenade. As for the 5 and 10km they will start at 7.45 a.m. There is also the walking option for those who want to take it easy.
This marathon falls in line with the Seychelles president’s 2015 theme ‘I love Seychelles.’ Because, by running this marathon participants will not only be testing their physical prowess in terms of how far and how fast they can push their bodies, but it will also be an opportunity for the local and international participants to appreciate their beautiful surroundings around the northern and north eastern areas of the main island of Mahé, as well as Victoria.
The advantages of running with nature as a backdrop, taking in the fresh breeze, can never be compared to the stiff confines of a gym.
And if the nature reward does not suffice, there will be medals and prizes of a range of values for the grand international and local marathoners that this event is hoping to attract.
The 1st Seychellois male and female marathon and half-marathon winners will also get the chance to participate in the Namseungryong Marathon in South Korea.
As for all those who are simply content with completing the marathon, they will not be going home empty handed either, they will also have a t-shirt and an official time certificate to prove their achievement.
The participants will get the chance to let their hair down and socialize in a gala evening organized by the Seychelles Tourism Board alongside their sponsors. Apart from the distribution of prizes and medals there is also a Korean themed dinner and display.
‘Register early so as to avoid disappointment. If you do so before the 31st of January, you will only pay half price’, advises Ms Rousseau.
Finishing a marathon is supposed to change your life forever but you will never find out unless you take up the challenge, pick up a form and register.
