By Victor Kanayo
Emmanuel Naibet of Kenya on Saturday April 29, 2023 emerged champion with a time of 2:13: 45 at the first ever Abuja International Marathon.
Heritage Times HT reports that the winning time is the best ever recorded in any first edition of Marathon races in Nigeria.
This is the second time Naibet is winning a marathon in Nigeria, having also won the 2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Finishing in second position was Benard Sang 2:13:49, while Ezekiel Koech ensured it was a complete sweep for Kenya in the men’s category with a time of 2:13:51.
In the women category, Ruth Jebet from Bahrain stole the show to win.
She won it with a time of 2.36.08, while Kenya’s Mercy Kwambai came second with a time of 2:38:17, just as Dida Negasa of Ethiopia with 2:40: 16 settled for the third spot.
The overall winners got $55, 000 each in the 42km race which begun 6am.
There were also keen competitions for prizes in the 10km and 5km races which were dominated by fun runners and students from across the Abuja metropolis.
The Marathon event caused unprecedented traffic jam within Nigeria’s capital for hours, forcing motorists to take alternative routes.
