Gaoua: The first edition of the Bafuji Hills Marathon is scheduled to take place on March 23, 2026, in Gaoua, within the Dj´r´ region. The event aims to attract at least 1,000 participants from both national and international backgrounds. The marathon will revolve around the theme "Sport, a factor in the integration of peoples," as announced by the organizing committee on Wednesday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the chairman of the organizing committee, Hamed Fofana, highlighted that the marathon is designed to position sport as a strategic tool for promoting health, social cohesion, the integration of peoples, and regional development. Registrations for the event will commence on February 19, 2026, and will close a week before the marathon. The competition is open to athletes aged 18 and above, including those from international locations.

Mr. Fofana emphasized the deliberate choice of the Bafuji hills as the marathon's location due to its unique topography, cultural richness, and the renowned hospitality of its residents. The goal is to establish this area as a prominent sporting and cultural destination.

The marathon will feature various events, including a 21 km race, a 10 km race, a 5 km race, and a popular cross-country race scheduled for the day prior to the main event. The organizing committee aims to generate economic benefits for local stakeholders and establish the marathon as a significant annual sporting event with international importance.

The winner of the marathon will receive a prize of 1,000,000 FCFA, reflecting the organizers' ambition to position the competition at a high level of excellence and attractiveness. Mr. Fofana urged the Burkinabe population to support and participate in the event to ensure its success.

The Bafuji Hills Marathon is sponsored by FITNESS PARK, a gym that opened in January 2025 in the Dj´r´ region.