Kenyan Runners Dominate Abuja City Half Marathon As Nigeria’s Muazu Finishes 4th

Kenyan athletes, Kephar Namitala, and Mercy Jepkemon, have claimed victory in the second Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Half International Marathon, with Namitala clocking an impressive 1:05:14:45.

Namitala fended off compatriots Edwin Kepyago (1:05:39:37) and Ezekiel Chepkovomi (1:06:05:99) in a hotly contested men’s race, earning himself an $8,000 prize. Nigeria’s Adamu Shehu Muazu put in a strong performance, finishing fourth with a time of 1:08:25:49 and securing a N2 million prize.

In the women’s category, Mercy Jepkemon of Kenya crossed the finish line first in 1:14:53:28. Nigerian runners Shambor Blessing Solomon (1:16:28) and Akusho Lydia Thomas (1:16:38:67) secured second and third place respectively

Edwin Kepyago, also from Kenya, finished close behind in second place with a time of 1:05:39:73, demonstrating the depth of talent among Kenyan athletes.

Completing the podium for the men’s category, Ezekiel Chepkovomi of Kenya crossed the line in 1:06:05:99**, solidifying Kenya’s dominance in the event.

Nigerian runner Adamu Shehu Muazu put in a commendable performance, finishing fourth with a time of 1:08:25:49, and earned a prize of N2 million as the top Nigerian competitor.

Mathew Kiprotich, another Kenyan, claimed fifth place with a time of 1:08:27:44, followed closely by compatriot Benard Chirchir in sixth with 1:08:27:63.

Seventh place went to Solomon Koch of Kenya, who completed the race in 1:08:30:83, while Nigeria’s Auta Jigak Monday marked a strong showing in eighth with 1:09:23:70.

Ethiopia’s Dawit Emayo secured ninth place, finishing in 1:09:45:96, and rounding out the top ten was Nigeria’s Friday Elisha, who crossed the finish line in 1:10:30:52.

In the women’s category, Mercy Jepkemon from Kenya claimed victory with a time of 1:14:53:28, leading the field convincingly.

Nigerian runner Shambor Blessing Solomon finished in second place, clocking 1:16:28, while compatriot Akusho Lydia Thomas took third with a time of 1:16:38:67.

Ethiopia’s Ebste Alagud Blow secured fourth place, crossing the line in 1:17:29:20, while Rita Busienu, also from Ethiopia, finished fifth with a time of 1:18:27:88.

Nigerian athlete Obadiah Vivian placed sixth, completing the race in 1:20:17:63, ahead of compatriot Kypukudu Kevina, who finished seventh in 1:21:06:12.

Eighth place was claimed by Emily Emmaof Nigeria, finishing in 1:25:15:87, while Danladi Nanlop followed closely in ninth with a time of 1:26:11:97.

Completing the top ten women was Tanko Nvou, who finished the race in 1:28:14:21. showcasing the growing talent within the Nigerian running community.

Overall, the marathon highlighted the competitive spirit and endurance of both Kenyan and Nigerian athletes, setting the stage for future races.