Otu said the theme, ‘Run For Conscience Against Poverty’, was a clear reflection of his administration’s determination to put the people first and confront the challenges of poverty.
By Ita Akpan
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Published on November 1, 2026
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3 min read
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has declared that the 2026 Calabar Marathon is not just about running and winning medals but a reminder that government must remain accountable to the people who gave it the mandate to serve.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Agnes Atsu, made the declaration during the colourful flag-off ceremony of the marathon in Calabar on Saturday.
Otu said the theme, ‘Run For Conscience Against Poverty’, was a clear reflection of his administration’s determination to put the people first and confront the challenges of poverty.
He maintained that the People First mantra, which inspired his administration more than three years ago, was built on the resolve to fight poverty and improve the living conditions of Cross Riverians.
Speaking at the event, Atsu declared: “Cross Riverians, we are here again to do what we do best. This year’s theme resonates with what this government stands for. It says, ‘Run for Conscience Against Poverty’, and we all know this administration came with a mantra of People First.”
She urged residents not to see the marathon as an ordinary sporting competition but as an opportunity to remember the vulnerable and renew their commitment to building a society where poverty is tackled collectively.
The commissioner also encouraged the athletes to remain strong and focused, drawing inspiration from the Bible’s message in Isaiah 40:31.
“They shall run and not be weary, shall walk and not faint,” she declared, assuring the athletes that their routes and lives had been spiritually covered.
Atsu showered praises on the Cross River State Tourism Bureau and its partners for making the marathon possible, describing the event as a major curtain-raiser for Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party.
She further revealed that the state government had lined up the Governor’s Golf Tour for this year’s Calabar Festival, adding that massive renovation work was ongoing at the Calabar Golf Club to attract international attention and boost tourism.
The marathon was officially declared open after participants observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Mr Ojoi Ekpenyong, the immediate past Managing Director of the Tourism Bureau. The competition features a 21.1km half-marathon, a 10km junior race and a 5km fun run.
