Naibet, Jebet Win First Abuja International Marathon

This is the second time Naibet is winning a marathon in Nigeria having also won the 2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

History was made on Saturday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory as Kenya’s Emmanuel Naibet and Bahrain runne Ruth Jebet won the men’s and women’s categories of the Abuja International Marathon.

Despite the myriad of challenges to staging the first edition of the Abuja International Marathon, the heavens were kind to the historic race that held on Saturday.

Usually in April, the beautiful city of Abuja is synonymous with torrential rainfall but on Saturday 29 April, the city provided perfect weather that aided Kenya’s Naibet emergence as the inaugural champion of the Abuja International Marathon with a time of 2:13: 45.

His winning time is the best ever recorded in any first edition of Marathon races in Nigeria. This is the second time Naibet is winning a marathon in Nigeria having also won the 2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Speaking with journalists after his historic feat, the Kenyan runner who admitted it was tough said he was excited to finish ahead of all other competitors

“It was a great race for me though a bit challenging with some hilly parts on the routes, but overall I am happy to win this race and add it to my achievements” the excited champion stated

Finishing in second position was Benard Sang 2:13:49 while Ezekiel Koech ensured it was a complete sweep for Kenya in the men’s category with a time of 2:13:51.

In the women’s category Ruth Jebet from Bahrain stole the show as she won with a time of 2.36.08 while Kenya’s Mercy Kwambai was second with a time of 2:38:17 Dida Negasa from Ethiopia with a time of 2:40: 16 settled for the third spot.

Incidentally, this is the first time Jebet is trying out in the full marathon after dominating across other long distant races.

“I can never forget the Abuja International Marathon, it is my first full marathon and I won it, I hope to be back next year to defend my title,” she said.

There were also keen competitions for prizes in the 10km and 5km races which were dominated by fun runners and students from across the Abuja metropolis.