The annual Brufut Marathon Run, which is one of the most exciting and biggest traditional events in the Gambia is here again. The annual race which is known to be The Gambia’s biggest one-day fun-run festival is scheduled for December 23, 2006 at the Kombo North village of Brufut.

The show-piece no doubt brings Brufut to the limelight with not only a spectacular sporting events, but also an exciting musical show biz which features live bands. Already, the Gambian king of kora, Jaliba Kuyateh and his Kumareh Band have vowed to patronised this year’s event. Many more talented musicians are also expected to feature in the keenly-anticipated event.

However, it is the run which is the highlight of the day. More than 3,500 participants have participated in the event in the past 10 years. The walk-race that added special fun to the event last year will once again be staged . Also featured last year, was the Children’s Run which also added more icing to the cake. As usual, the two most important categories of the races will not be spared. These are the 5km and the 10 km race for children and adults respectively.

Another thing that makes Brufut Marathon Run a worthy event is that all proceeds from this annual event are used to sponsor school children and other sister-youth groups within and around the village .
More than 250 school children from different schools have benefited from the sponsorship packages, thanks to the marathon race under the guidance of Brufut Marathon Run Association (BMRA). The members of BMRA also enjoys cordial working relations with other youths across the country. BMRA members are more committed to continue this annual event and call on the general public to participate. The unflinching supports of the various sponsors, since the inception of the event have always been acknowledged.

This year, more than 1500 participants are expected to participate in the event which will feature for the first time, a bicycle race from the capital city, Banjul to Brufut. The inclusion of the bicycle race is geared towards making the event a more unique one. In this year’s race also, there will be no loser.
Even the last spot holder will walk away with a coveted prize ranging from a bag of rice to other valuable prizes, as every participant will be given a raffle ticket. The organisers are very busy working to stage one of the country’s biggest event, come 23 December.