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Gang James Sets National Record as Ethiopia’s Gemechu Wins Abuja Half Marathon

Posted : 14 November 2026

Nigeria’s Gang James produced a historic performance at the 3rd PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon on Saturday, breaking the national record despite finishing second behind Ethiopia’s Gemechu Tolosa Dana.

James clocked 1:01:58 to emerge as the fastest Nigerian in the race, finishing just two seconds behind Gemechu, who claimed the men’s elite title in 1:01:56.

The Ethiopian secured the $8,000 top prize, while James earned $6,000 for finishing second overall, alongside ₦1.5 million as the winner of the Nigerian runners’ category.

The Nigerian’s record-breaking feat provided one of the biggest highlights of the competition, which attracted more than 5,000 participants to the streets of Abuja.

Speaking after the race, an elated James said breaking the national record in front of his home crowd made the achievement particularly memorable.

“I am very happy to break the national record. I worked so hard for this moment, and to do it here in Abuja, in front of my people, makes it even more special,” he said.

He credited the quality of opposition for pushing him to deliver his best performance.

“Running against Gemechu and the Kenyans pushed me to give my best. I knew I had to stay with them till the end. This record is just the beginning for me,” he said.

Kenya’s Lampard Kingoo finished third in 1:01:59, followed by compatriot Enos Kipruto, who clocked 1:02:06, while Uganda’s Julius Ocheng placed fifth in 1:02:27.

The race began opposite the Federal Fire Service along Mohammed Buhari Way and ended at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The third edition attracted an increased international presence, with about 50 elite athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria competing for honours.

Organised by Nilayo Sports Management, the competition offered prizes ranging from $8,000 to $500 for international participants, while Nigerian runners received between ₦2 million and ₦50,000.

The event also featured entertainment from Nigerian music artistes, adding colour to the competition and the subsequent presentation of prizes to the outstanding athletes.

 

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