By Paride Wani Moses, Torit
The Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports has announced that Torit will host the fourth edition of the South Sudan National Athletics Marathon on October 26-27, 2024.
Speaking to Radio Emmanuel, Wani Kute Joseph, Director General at the Ministry, revealed that the event will feature four athletes—two male and two female—from each of the ten states of South Sudan.
“We are organizing a cross-country marathon next month, with athletes from all ten states, including Eastern Equatoria. Despite the condition of the roads, we are prepared and will train accordingly,” Kute stated.
This year’s marathon will be the fourth edition, following previous events held in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Central Equatoria, and Western Equatoria. Torit town in Eastern Equatoria State will host the competition.
Eastern Equatoria will field 36 athletes from its eight counties to participate in the marathon.
“This is the fourth national marathon. The first three were held in Wau, Juba, and Yambio. Now it’s Torit’s turn. Next year, it will move to another state, as the event is held in rotation across all ten states, with each state sending four athletes—two men and two women.”
In preparation for the marathon, the State Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, in collaboration with JICA, will provide training for coaches in athletics, football, and volleyball.
“This month, we will train coaches in football, volleyball, and athletics. The Ministry, in partnership with JICA, is working to ensure that our coaches are well-prepared to pass on their skills to others in their respective fields,” Kute explained.
Winners of the marathon will receive awards and be considered for selection to the South Sudan National Athletics Team.