In Labé, Guinea, a marathon was organized on September 27, 2026, to celebrate the country's independence. The event, which drew various age groups, saw the participation of Elhadj Ibrahima Sampiring Diallo, the 82-year-old former mayor of Labé. Diallo was awarded the third prize for his performance in the marathon. The event was part of the activities marking Guinea's independence celebration. The marathon was well-attended by different categories of the population.
The third prize awarded to Diallo was not part of an official sports classification but rather an initiative to encourage participation. According to Saïkou Oumar Baldé, president of the marathon's organizing committee, the prizes were meant to motivate participants. The committee considered the criterion of being among the first participants to cross the finish line to determine the winners. This approach was taken to promote a sense of achievement among all participants.
The organizing committee aimed to ensure that the prizes were not limited to young participants but also recognized the efforts of older individuals. The committee sought to encourage participation across different age groups. Diallo's achievement was notable as he was the first among the elderly category to cross the finish line, earning him the third prize. His performance was a testament to his endurance and spirit.
In response to his achievement, Diallo expressed gratitude to God and praised the dynamism and resilience of the younger participants. He mentioned that he felt much younger during the marathon, thanks to the energy of those around him. Diallo's comments highlighted the camaraderie and enthusiasm that characterized the event.
The marathon was part of a broader celebration of Guinea's independence. The event was attended by local authorities, including the governor of Labé region, Général Boundouka Condé. The governor commended the organization of the event and the participation of the population. He noted that such activities helped to honor the generations that worked towards Guinea's independence.
Général Boundouka Condé also praised the cohesion and mobilization observed during the event. He emphasized that the activities organized for independence celebrations served as a reminder of the country's history and the efforts of its ancestors. The governor's remarks underscored the significance of the marathon in promoting national unity and pride.
The Independence Marathon in Labé was one of several events held across Guinea to mark the country's independence. The celebrations included various activities, such as reboisement operations, clean-up exercises, and sensitization campaigns. These events demonstrated the country's commitment to environmental conservation, national unity, and the preservation of its history.
Key points
- Elhadj Ibrahima Sampiring Diallo, 82, won the third prize in the Independence Marathon in Labé, Guinea.
- The marathon was organized to encourage participation and promote national unity.
- The event was part of Guinea's independence celebrations, which included various activities across the country.
