Gang James Shatters Nigerian Half Marathon Record In Abuja

Nigeria’s Gang James has set a new national half marathon record after finishing second behind Ethiopia’s Gemechu Tolosa Dana at the third PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon on Saturday.

James clocked 1:01:58, just two seconds behind Tolosa, who won the men’s race in 1:01:56 to claim the $8,000 first prize.

The Nigerian distance runner’s impressive performance earned him $6,000 as runner-up, alongside an additional ₦1.5 million for finishing first in the local runners’ category.

James described the achievement as a special moment in his career, expressing delight at setting the national record in front of his home crowd in Abuja.

“I am very happy to break the national record. I worked so hard for this moment, and to do it here in Abuja, in front of my people, makes it even more special,” he said.

He credited the strong competition from the foreign athletes, particularly the Ethiopians and Kenyans, for pushing him to produce his best performance.

“Running against Gemechu and the Kenyans pushed me to give my best. I knew I had to stay with them till the end. This record is just the beginning for me,” he added.

Kenya’s Lampard Kingoo finished third in 1:01:59, followed by compatriot Enos Kipruto in 1:02:06, while Uganda’s Julius Ocheng placed fifth in 1:02:27.

More than 5,000 runners participated in the 2026 edition, which attracted elite athletes from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, among other countries.

The race started opposite the Federal Fire Service on Mohammed Buhari Way and ended at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

About 50 elite runners competed in the event, which offered prize money ranging from $8,000 to $500, while Nigerian athletes also received cash rewards ranging from ₦2 million to ₦50,000.

Organised by Nilayo Sports Management, the competition has continued to attract international participation, providing Nigerian distance runners with an opportunity to test their abilities against some of Africa’s leading athletes.

The event also featured musical performances by Nigerian artistes, adding colour to the competition and the presentation of prizes to the winners.