Kenya’s Harrison Muchira Wanjiru received the ECOWAS Abuja Worldwide Marathon half-marathon on Saturday in 1 hour 04.39.
On his heels was one other Kenyan, Adam Sulaiman Muhamad, who was second 1.05.27.
A Nigerian, Francis James Musa, got here third in 1.05 51.
Whereas Kenyans dominated the lads’s race, the ladies’s race was dominated by Ethiopians.
Lydia Natiyaka Wamalawa of Ethiopia received the ladies’s race in 1 hour 15.3, Aberash Minsewo, one other Ethiopian, was second in 1.17.14, and like within the males’s race, a Nigerian Endurance Dalyop was third in 1.21.15.
Nigerian runners dominated the 5 km race, additionally they received a lot of the prizes reserved for ECOWAS residents.
Every one for his purpose, 1000’s of runners pounded the streets of Abuja on Saturday because the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja Worldwide Marathon flags off on the ECOWAS Fee Yakubu Gowon Method slightly after 8.00 am, whereas the 5 km race began shortly after.
Article Web page with Monetary Help Promotion
For the elite runners that participated within the 21-kilometer race of Africa’s most profitable half-marathon, the main target was on the $ 10,000 prize cash for the highest finisher.
Ditto for the highest runners within the 5km race whose sights have been additionally fastened on the prize cash for the highest 5 finishers.
For former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore, a continuing face in marathons and highway races in Nigeria, America and different components of the world, the ECOWAS Abuja Worldwide Marathon was one other medium to hold his message of justice for humanity to each a part of the world.
Sowore didn’t run alone; he ran with the #RunwithSowore Group and different members of his Lazy Man Athletics Membership.
However for almost all of the runners like Blessing Mozie, they participated as a result of working has change into a lifestyle.
A employees member of the Down Syndrome Basis of Nigeria ran on Saturday as a result of working has change into a component and parcel of Lagos-born Mozie’s life.
Earlier than transferring to Abuja, Ms Mozie participated in a number of editions of the Lagos Metropolis Marathon, working the complete marathon, however she ran the 5 km on Saturday as a result of she will not be used to the Abuja roads.
“I used to be born in Lagos, I grew up there, so I’m aware of the route, however I’m not too aware of the Abuja routes. Possibly in future, I’ll run the half marathon and the complete marathon in Abuja.
“I believe working is one thing everyone ought to do due to its immense well being advantages.
“For me, working will not be a style assertion however a lifestyle as a result of it’s good for the physique typically, and I’m encouraging everyone to embrace the tradition of working; the advantages are immeasurable.
An estimated 5,000 Nigerian and worldwide runners battled for $71,000 prize cash on Saturday.
The boys’s and ladies’s winners of the 21 km half-marathon race received $10,000.
Additionally, all the primary 200 runners to cross the road obtained bronze medals to point out that they had participated.
The Chairperson of the Major Organising Committee and ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports activities, Francis Njoaguani famous that the occasion was a part of actions to commemorate ECOWAS at 50.
Mr Njoaguani said that the initiative is aimed toward encouraging regional participation and celebrating homegrown expertise.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Marathon declares unique prize cash for West African runners, targets World Athletics Gold Label standing
He famous that the long run aim is to attain the World Athletics Gold Label standing throughout the subsequent 4 years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja Worldwide Marathon among the many most prestigious highway races globally.
Picture Caption: An estimated 5,000 Nigerian and worldwide runners battled for $71,000 prize cash on Saturday.
Help PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Instances, we firmly consider within the significance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everybody can afford expensive information subscriptions, we’re devoted to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked information that continues to be freely accessible to all.
Whether or not you flip to Premium Instances for day by day updates, in-depth investigations into urgent nationwide points, or entertaining trending tales, we worth your readership.
It’s important to acknowledge that information manufacturing incurs bills, and we take pleasure in by no means inserting our tales behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you take into account supporting us with a modest contribution on a month-to-month foundation to assist preserve our dedication to free, accessible information?
Make Contribution
TEXT AD: Name Willie – +2348098788999
