Kenya’s Emmanuel Naibet wins first-ever Abuja international marathon

Emmanuel Naibet of Kenya has won the first edition of the Abuja international marathon.

Naibet beat about 120 elite marathoners on Saturday to win the 42km race.

Courtesy of the win, he will claim the grand prize of $50,000.

The Kenyan finished at 2 hours, 13 minutes and forty-five seconds to best compatriots Benard Sang and Ezekiel Koech who finished second and third respectively, and will go home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

The victory is Naibet’s second marathon win on Nigerian soil, having won the 2021 Lagos City marathon.

Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet was the first woman to cross the finish line at two hours, thirty-six minutes and eight seconds. She bested Kenya’s Mercy Kwambai and Dida Negasa of Ethiopia who finished second and third respectively.

The 42km race began at the Abuja City Gate and terminated at Eagle Square.

Speaking on his feat, Naibet admitted that the race was tough, adding that he was excited to beat other competitors.

“I don’t even know what to say. So happy that I did it here —— but it’s just a great day, a great race,” he said.

“The race was amazing, with the cheers and everything. I’m just thankful.”

There were also keen competitions for prizes in the other different races including the school marathon for students (5km) and the family race (10km).