The festival, which was kicked off in 2009 features Cultural and
traditional heritage ofthe people with the sports-inclined
mountaineering.The festival, last year drew participants from across
Nigeria, South Africa and Europe.Another important feature of the Mare
Festival is the all-important Mare Marathon.

It is an event introduced as part of activities for the celebration
since year 2010.
The 23 kilometre event kicks off from Akure, the state
capital to the ancient city of Idanre the mountaineous venue of the
celebration. The festival will kick off with a lecture entitled: “The
economic importance of festival to the development of a state,” by Dr
Amos Akingba, the Chairman, Governing Council, Ondo State University
of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), Okitipupa, at the palace of Owa
of Idanre, Oba Fredrick Aroloye. Other events outlined are mountain
climbing sports, marathon race, beauty pageant show, musical concerts
and float carnival procession tomorrow, when representatives across
the 18 council areas in the state will process from Akure enroute
Alade to Idanre.
source:http://www.nowayobloggers.com/blog/people-culture/mare-festival-see-more-pictures