Kenyan runners have reaffirmed their dominance in long-distance racing in Nigeria, sweeping the podium at the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon with victories in both the men’s and women’s races.
In the men’s category, the top three positions were claimed by Kephar Namutala, Edwin Kipyago, and Ezekiel Chepkoromi.
Nigeria’s Adamu Shehu delivered the nation’s best performance by finishing fourth overall in 1:08:25:49, receiving a combined prize of 2 million Naira and 4,000 US dollars for finishing among the top eight.
Another Nigerian, Auta Monday, finished eighth overall and second in the national category in 1:09:45:96, taking home 1.5 million Naira and 500 US dollars. Friday Elisha was Nigeria’s third-best male performer, completing the race in 1:10:30:52.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Mercy Jepkemoi won with a time of 1:14:53:23. Nigeria’s Shambor Blessing and Akusho Lydia made history by finishing second and third, clocking 1:16:28:69 and 1:16:34:67, respectively.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the organizers, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, for consistently raising the standard of road races in Nigeria.
“It’s quite brilliant what we are seeing here, and it clearly aligns with our vision at the Sports Commission. If we take events like this seriously, Nigeria can gain a comparative advantage in road racing in the near future,” Dikko said.
The Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, also expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon become a force in long-distance running, citing the quality of the international-standard marathon.
“The feasibility and commitment that Nilayo Sports is showing to long-distance running in Nigeria is highly commendable. The Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Marathon is another success story that will be remembered for a long time,” Olopade stated.
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