Cameron runners have been listed to be part of the 250 athletes that would participate in the second edition of the 14km Calabar Marathon scheduled for Saturday.

Chairman of the organising commitee, Ekpenyong Ojoi made he disclosure in an interview with newsmen Calabar on Thursday.

He said the event will feature the best of marathon runners from across the country who will slug it out with their foreign counterpart.

Ojoi who doubles as the Director of Cross River State Tourism Bureau, said though only Cameroon had indicated interest to be part of the race as at Tuesday, more were expected to be part of it before the close of entry.

Hr said that the marathon is being packaged by the Tourism Bureau in partnership with the Calabar Marathon Foundation.

Explaining the government's intention behind the race, "Ojoi said, "It is an avenue for youths to exhibit natural talent and divert attention from negative tendencies.

"The Calabar Marathon is one of the key initiatives endorsed by Governor Bassey Otu as a strategic step to take our youths from the streets.

" You would agree with me that idleness breeds mischief, criminality, drug abuse, cultism, and other vices inimical to the well-being of our youths and the society at large."