Zorgho: The city of Zorgho hosted the first edition of the Mount Zong-piiga half marathon on Sunday, which was combined with an archery competition. The half-marathon was run over a distance of 10 km, beginning in the village of Soubdougou and culminating at the summit of Mount Zong-piiga. The race route passed through the town of Zorgho, finishing at the top of the granite massif, which stands approximately 300 meters tall. Fifteen athletes participated in this challenging race.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the race commenced under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou Province, Ms. Aminata Sorgho/Gouba. The event was attended by Raogo Jean Claude Ouedraogo, the representative of the President of the Special Delegation of Zorgho, and various traditional authorities. Raogo Jean Claude Ouedraogo extended congratulations to the event organizers and encouraged the runners, noting the event's potential to boost the positive image of the Zorgho municipality.
Toukoumnogo Kabore, the marathon organizer and coordinator of the Rabas-koudoumde association of Ganzourgou, expressed appreciation for the athletes' participation. He acknowledged that hosting such an event was a first for Zorgho and apologized for any logistical shortcomings. Dr. Richard Kabore, representing the Tingsoaba of Zorgho and sponsor of the event, shared the traditional chief's congratulations with the organizer, expressing hope for the event's continued success in the future.
High Commissioner Aminata Sorgho/Gouba commended the initiative, highlighting the integration of sport and culture to enhance discipline, social cohesion, and community spirit. She emphasized that the event aids in promoting the local heritage and cultural values of Ganzourgou and thanked all partners and athletes, emphasizing the ultimate goal of fostering peace and unity.
The marathon's winner, Kabore Isma«l, completed the course in 36 minutes and 1 second. He expressed gratitude to the organizers and described the course as satisfactory. As a seasoned participant in national marathons, this victory marked his first win. He encouraged young people to engage in sports from an early age.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top five finishers: Kabore Isma«l received 50,000 FCFA for first place, followed by Ouedraogo Sebastien with 35,000 FCFA, Comboudri Yanick with 25,000 FCFA, Rouamba David with 20,000 FCFA, and Kabore Jean Bosco with 15,000 FCFA. The last runner completed the race in 1 hour and 2 minutes. The provincial director of sports for Ganzourgou applauded the participants and the race's pace.
Following the marathon, an archery competition took place at the Zorgho multi-sports stadium. Among the five competitors, Oubda Valentin emerged victorious with 18 points, earning 15,000 FCFA. He was followed by Kabore Fulgence with 2 points and 10,000 FCFA, and Compaore Oscar with 2 points and 5,000 FCFA.
Toukoumnogo Kabore reflected on the event's origins, explaining that financial constraints had delayed its inception. He outlined the objective of fostering interest in marathon running, archery, and wrestling among the people of Ganzourgou, aiming to strengthen social bonds and identify talent for national competitions. He acknowledged the financial limitations that affected prize offerings and international participation, and expressed gratitude to health workers, defense and security forces, and traditional authorities for their support. Plans are in place for the next event in 2028, with hopes for a more successful edition.