Saturday 30 April 2016

THIS TIME AROUND - FOR TUN AND ALL THAT THERE IS







By Amaka Obidi
TUN African Desk 

So that’s the end of the 2016 London Marathon. Though it is all over and the winners have been publicly recognized and celebrated in the capital,the London Marathon which took place on Thursday, 24th April will forever go down in history as one of the most formidable. It is surely one that will continually resonate in the minds of those who witnessed it firsthand. Though fraught with embarrassing yet commendable moments. The British always have the fever to get into the heat of things for the marathon by supporting a charity for a good cause. It all began in 1981 by founders - former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. It is one of the top six international marathons run over the distance of 26 miles and 385 yards. So far, the marathon has raised over £450 million for charity since inception and holds the Guinness world record as the largest annual fund raising event in the world, with the 2009 participants raising over £47.2 million for charity.

There emerged the victors, pilfers and vanquished. The winners are of African origin. Kenyan- born Elid Kipchoge who has been able to retain his title running the second-fastest marathon time in history. Also, Jemima Sumgong sprung a surprise as she recovered from a dramatic fall five miles from the finish to win during the women’s race.

This can be likened to the launching of TUN as she is once again rolling out her drums to engage all in the celebration of all things Africa starting with Nigeria. It is germane to note however, that discontent is the catalyst for change. A change that inspires, one that tells the tale of those before us and also the fore bearers of tomorrow’s history with circumcised introspection. This is what TUN simply vows to achieve.

Back to the race - thousands of determined competitors took to the streets to show their camaraderie. Surely, it was an arduous 26.2 mile run, a race for only the fit and prepared runner even though a good number of participants were tired within the first hour. One would have to possess endurance, persistence and the finesse to continue. Imagine the amount of time put into training, subjecting the body to strenuous exercise, practicing moderation, changing one’s lifestyle and having a healthier diet to suite the demands of the marathon etc . All these can have catastrophic effects on the human mind and body if done by the flick of the wrist. However, there must always be a winner at the finish line. Evidently, TUN had returned to the war room to strategize, to relaunch with focus, for better outreach in order to provide an increasingly sustainable system where all things laudable, respectable and illustrious are celebrated at a greater volume.

With her re-emergence, TUN is poised for a meaningful impact!