By Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has officially flagged off activities for the sixth edition of the SDD Marathon, calling on residents to actively participate in the race as part of efforts to promote fitness and healthy living across the state.
The marathon, featuring a 10-kilometre race for elite runners and a 5-kilometre race for leisure runners, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Governor Diri made the call on Thursday during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, shortly after he was presented with the official marathon jersey by one of the organisers, Mr. Odonkumo Igbeita, on behalf of the organising committee.
Expressing delight at the resumption of the Prosperity Walk after a brief break, the governor noted that the exercise was paused due to the Yuletide season and the demise of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“Today, we resume from our weekly Prosperity Walk break. The crowd might not be as we expected, but I believe that as we continue, more people will join from next week,” Governor Diri said.
He commended participants for turning out for the special walk organised in honour of the late deputy governor, describing their presence as adding colour and significance to the event.
The governor, who also distributed bags of rice to participants, restated his directive to chairmen of local government councils to ensure that the Prosperity Walk is observed in their respective areas.
“This will be monitored by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftain Affairs and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to ensure compliance,” he added.
Earlier, while presenting the marathon jersey, Mr. Igbeita praised Governor Diri for his strong commitment to sports development and his personal involvement in fitness initiatives, noting that the SDD Marathon has continued to grow under the governor’s leadership.
He disclosed that all registered participants would undergo mandatory fitness tests and accreditation at the medical department of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex on February 5 and 6, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
The SDD Marathon has become a major annual sporting event in Bayelsa State, attracting runners and fitness enthusiasts while promoting a culture of healthy living among residents.
