Participants along with some athletes have lauded the organisers of the just concluded Abuja International Marathon, which came to a climax in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, April 29th 2023.
Over 10,000 local and international athletes participated in the historic marathon race, which was the first of its kind in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The Marathon featured three different races, starting with the full marathon (42km), the School Marathon for students (5km) and the family race (10km).
The full Marathon, which is the 42 kilometers race event, started at the City gate while the Student/Children 5km race started at 6:15am from Zone 4 bridge/Sani Abacha bridge. The 10km Family fun race started at the Wuye bridge, with all the races ending at the Eagles Square.
Some of the athletes who spoke with Voice of Nigeria after the inaugural event commended the organisers for putting up a good show. Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore who participated in the 10km family race, believes more of this race enable the nation to discover more talents abound in the country.
“Government and corporate bodies need to come in and assist in this kind of sport. More of this will no doubt improve the mental health of people,” Sowore said. “I particularly have participated in several Marathons, both here and abroad. It keep me fit all the time.”
“Also, we can discover talents from this kind of sport, the likes of the Kenyans, Ethiopians, Ugandans who have similar physical body structures like ours. Let’s emulate them and organise more. Kudos to the organisers of Abuja International Marathon.
Another runner Ogechi Anthony, who just finished her mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), took her time to participate in the 10km family race. As first timer in marathon running, Ogechi commended the organisers for meeting the expectations of the participants.
“Frankly speaking, I’m running the race for the first time. I really enjoy myself because it was fun running side by side with other contestants,” Ogechi said.
“Although I did not win, but the joy is that I took part in the race. I appreciate the organisers for putting up a good job and will be looking for more in the future.”
For Sanni Adams, who came all the way from Jos, the Plateau State capital to participate, appreciated the organisers for at least taking the bull by the horns to stage the show. He also advised them to be more proactive in the areas of line demarcation.
“I have been looking forward to this Abuja event for long. It’s a dream come true for me because I have been running this kind of race since I was small,” Adams said.
“So I’m very happy now that we are going to be having this event annually in Abuja. The organisers tried their best but they should do more in letting participants know their routes so that it wouldn’t confuse them while running.”
Kenyan athlete Emmanuel Naibet breasted the tape after two hours 13 minutes 45 seconds, winning the elite men’s race over 42.195 kilometres as he beat compatriot Bernard Sang.
Sang, who arrived at the finish line four seconds behind Naibet finished ahead of compatriot Ezekiel Koech Keprop, who arrived two seconds later to claim third place.
In the women’s race, Ruth Jebet of Bahrain (2hrs: 36.08secs) emerged champion after she outran Mercy Kwambi of Kenya (2hrs: 38.17) who finished second, with Dida Nagasaki of Ethiopia (2hrs: 40.16secs ) claiming third.
About 32 foreign athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Bahrain with over 100 Nigerian elite athletes took part in the race. With a mouth-watering offer of $55,000 for the top finishers in the men’s and women’s categories, $40,000 for the second positions and $30,000 for the best runners in both categories.
The Climax of the event was when Reekado Banks, a popular Nigerian musical artist thrilled fans at the Finish line at the Eagle Square car park in Abuja.
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