The streets of Rivers State University were on Saturday, March 22, 2025, abuzz, as the Medic Olympics took centre stage, with over 200 participants laced up and rearing to take part in the Marathon event.

The marathon event which served as an opener for the Maiden edition of the Medic Olympics, organized, by the Health Sciences Students Forum, generated considerable interest among students for other games as a result of its success. Alberta Tetteh, a second-year Nursing Sciences student and Chief of Staff of the Health Sciences Students Forum, shared her thoughts in a post-race interview with Kristina Reports.

“I think the marathon has generated tremendous excitement and momentum for the upcoming Medical Olympics. The event has clearly sparked a sense of friendly competition and teamwork among the students, and I’ve already received numerous inquiries about registration and participation in other games.”

The day’s events began with students gathering in the car park for in-person registrations. The marathon route started from the car park, moved to the roundabout, then down to the Law Faculty, the Old Site, and the Centre for Continuing Education, before proceeding to the filling station. The route then returned to the roundabout, continued to the Post Graduate School, and finally ended at the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

With the event organized by students in health-related courses, safety was a top priority. The Health Sciences Students Forum ensured that checkpoints were installed at specific points along the route to keep participants hydrated and to address any potential emergencies.

The marathon kicked off at 9 a.m. under clear skies and dry conditions. Atuwo Atamgbo from the Medicine and Surgery department won the race in the Male category, while Telenyem Mgaogute from the Medical Laboratory Sciences department clinched victory in the Female category.

In the Men’s category, Atuwo was followed closely by Jeremiah Iboroma from Physiology, who finished second, and Harry Awajima from Medicine and Surgery, who took the third and final spot on the podium.

In the Women’s category, Telenyem Mgaogute crossed the finish line first, with Medicine and Surgery’s Confidence Kiwuzi and Grace Ogbugo from the Nursing Department finishing second and third, respectively.

Alberta expressed her delight at the outcome of the marathon.

“Yesterday’s marathon was an overwhelming success, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of it,” she commented. “The event saw a massive turnout, with student participants and volunteers coming together to support and cheer each other on.”

Reflecting on the atmosphere before the race, Alberta noted the strong sense of camaraderie among the students, who were eager to represent their departments.

“The pre-event atmosphere was electric, with everyone excited to represent their departments. The banter and friendly rivalry added to the excitement, creating a lively and festive environment.

“What struck me most, however, was the sense of togetherness that permeated the entire event. It was amazing to see students from different departments come together, cheering each other on and having a great time”