Kenya reaffirmed its dominance in long-distance running at the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon, producing a commanding sweep ain both the men’s and women’s elite races.
In the men’s event, Kephar Namutala stormed to victory in 1:05:14:45, earning the top prize of $8,000. Compatriot Edwin Kipyago finished second in 1:05:39:73, taking home $6,000, while Ezekiel Chepkoromi secured third place in 1:06:05:09, winning $5,000, completing a clean Kenyan sweep.
Nigeria, however, produced a standout moment through Adamu Shehu, who finished overall 4th with a time of 1:08:25:49, making him the top Nigerian finisher. His performance earned him a double reward:
$4,000 for placing in the overall top eight
₦2 million as Nigeria’s best-ranked athlete
Another Nigerian, Auta Monday, finished 8th overall and second in the Nigeria category with a time of 1:09:45:96, earning $500 plus ₦1.5 million. Friday Elisha completed Nigeria’s top three in the men’s division with a time of 1:10:30:52.
The women’s race witnessed another strong Kenyan showing as Mercy Jepkemoi claimed victory in 1:14:53:23. But Nigeria recorded a historic achievement when Shambor Blessing and Akusho Lydia finished second and third respectively, timing 1:16:28:69 and 1:16:34:67, marking one of the country’s best collective outings in elite women’s distance running.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the organisers, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, for consistently elevating professional road racing in Nigeria.
“It’s brilliant what we are seeing here and it aligns perfectly with our vision at the Sports Commission. Events like this, when taken seriously, can give Nigeria a comparative advantage in road racing,” Dikko said.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, echoed the sentiment, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s rising prospects in long-distance athletics.
“The visibility that Nilayo Sports is giving to long-distance running is highly commendable. The Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Marathon is another success story that will be remembered for a long time,” Olopade noted.
