KENYA DOMINATES ABUJA CITY HALF MARATHON AS NIGERIANS SHINE IN STRONG FIELD

By: Gyang Dakwo

Kenyan runners showed their strength at the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon, and they controlled both the men’s and women’s elite races from start to finish.

Kephar Namutala won the men’s event in 1:05:14:45, and he received eight thousand dollars for his effort. Edwin Kipyago came in second in 1:05:39:73 and took home six thousand dollars. Ezekiel Chepkoromi finished third in 1:06:05:09 and earned five thousand dollars. Their results gave Kenya a clean sweep in the top three positions.

Nigeria also celebrated a big moment as Adamu Shehu finished fourth overall with a time of 1:08:25:49, and he ended the day as the best-placed Nigerian. He received four thousand dollars for finishing in the top eight, and he also earned two million naira as the top-ranked home athlete.

Auta Monday came eighth overall with a time of 1:09:45:96, and he finished second in the Nigeria category. He earned five hundred dollars and one point five million naira. On Friday, Elisha finished third among the top three Nigerians in the men’s race with a time of 1:10:30:52.

The women’s race also produced a strong Kenyan finish, with Mercy Jepkemoi winning in 1:14:53:23. Nigeria then recorded one of its best-ever performances in elite women’s distance running, with Shambor Blessing and Akusho Lydia finishing second and third. Blessing posted 1:16:28:69, and Lydia followed closely in 1:16:34:67.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the organisers for raising the standard of professional road races in Nigeria.

He said, “It is 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.”

The Abuja City International Half Marathon has also earned a Bronze Label from World Athletics. The award is an important step for the race, which is now in its second edition after a successful debut in 2024. The status confirms that the event meets key international standards even though it remains below Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. The requirements include the presence of elite international athletes, proper doping control, equal prize money, and strong event organisation.