Poni: The Minister of Trade, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, officially launched the first edition of the Bafudji Hills Marathon on Saturday morning in Gaoua. Held under the theme "Sport, a Factor in the Integration of Peoples," this Fitness Park initiative brought together nearly 750 athletes from several African countries.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Serge Gnaniodem Poda welcomed the holding of this first edition, describing it as a major sporting event for the Dj´r´ region. He highlighted the event's impact on the local economy and its promotion of values such as discipline, social cohesion, and collective effort. He advocated for extending the marathon to all municipalities in the region, with elimination rounds followed by a final in Gaoua, to detect and train high-level athletes for national and international representation.
The governor of the Dj´r´ region, Siaka Barro, expressed gratitude to the authorities, guests, and participants for their strong mobilization. He noted that the marathon promotes sport and health, strengthens social cohesion, enhances cultural and natural potential, and boosts the local economy. Addressing the athletes, he emphasized the cultural experience of the competition, stating, "By traversing the hills of Bafudji, you are not just running, you are discovering and valuing a culture."
According to the promoter, Dr. Sitapha Kossi, Fitness Park aims to promote both fitness and competitive sports. He stressed that the region's terrain is an asset for marathon development in Burkina Faso and expressed the ambition to make the event international. The competition featured approximately 750 athletes from countries like Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Ghana, with races of 5 km for cadets, 10 km for juniors, and 21 km for seniors.
In the standings, Nigerian Gang James Boyi won the senior men's event, while Ghanaian Mariama Aidoo won the women's event. In the junior category, Burkinabe athletes Djakaria Traor© and Ornella Kabor© dominated their divisions. In the cadet category, Marcel Hien and Beawere Kambou distinguished themselves. Alongside the competition, various activities were organized, including a blood donation drive, cervical cancer screening sessions, an amateur women's cycling race, a popular cross-country race, a patriotic concert, and a gala dinner.
The organizers aim to make the Bafudji Hills Marathon a major annual sporting event, contributing sustainably to the promotion of sport and the influence of the Dj´r´ region.