The Race Director of Abuja International Marathon, Olukayode Thomas, has said that Nigerian long distance runners will compete favourably with their counterparts in the world in the near future.
Thomas, who gave a post-race review of the maiden marathon event held in Abuja city on Saturday, said the the resurgence of long distance racers in Nigeria in the past few years indicated that the country would get reckoned with in the sport soon.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed young athletes in the country turning out in large numbers for marathon events and I think this gives some hope for the future. All we need do now is to encourage the young talents by drawing up concise programmes for their development,” he also said.
Kenya’s Emmanuel Naibet and Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet made history as the first male and female winners respectively of the maiden Abuja marathon.
Naibet, who returned with the time of 2:13: 45, had won the 2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Thomas however said the top prizes being swept by foreigners would inspire Nigerian athletes to excellence.
“We expect a different scenario at the 2024 edition of the Abuja marathon and I am positive of our athletes making a great mark,” he also said.
Over 20,000 persons registered for the Abuja event where runners participated in the 18km, 10km, 5km and Fun Race.
