By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-04-01 04:00:23
Gwom James Giang made headlines over the weekend as he emerged victorious in the maiden Calabar Marathon. The 17-year-old runner hailing from Plateau State showcased his talent by completing the 15-kilometre race in an impressive time of 39.8 minutes, earning himself the coveted N500,000 star prize. Following closely behind were Shaba Dare Eniola, 36, from Ondo State, who finished in 39.12 minutes, and 22-year-old Yusuf Bapiye from Plateau State, who crossed the finish line in 39.19 minutes, securing the second and third place positions and winning N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
In the women’s category, Delta State’s Agofore Charity took the top spot with a time of 44.38 minutes, claiming the first prize of N500,000. Elizabeth Nuhu and 12-year-old Godsmind Eteng from Cross River State clinched the second and third place positions, earning N300,000 and N200,000 respectively. With over 500 professional and amateur runners from across the country participating in the race with the theme “Abstinence from Drugs,” the Calabar Marathon aimed to promote healthy living and discourage drug abuse among the youth.
The Calabar Marathon was flagged off at the Eleven Eleven Roundabout, followed by a route through the Carnival Calabar Route and concluding at the Marina Resort. Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, through his Special Advisor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, applauded the event as a strategic initiative to divert the attention of young people from drugs towards sports. Governor Otu emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for sports enthusiasts to showcase their talents and contribute positively to society. The race was also seen as a platform to discover and nurture hidden talents within the state and its environs, with the goal of producing world-class athletes who could represent the state and Nigeria on both local and global stages.
With the historical significance of Calabar as the birthplace of modern civilization and football, the governor highlighted the city’s rich sporting heritage and the need to reclaim its glory in various athletic events. He stressed the importance of engaging youths in productive activities to prevent them from falling into drug abuse and engaging in criminal activities. The marathon served as an awareness campaign to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and other societal vices, aiming to steer the youth towards a more constructive path.
Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi, Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, praised the Calabar Marathon as a valuable contribution to the state’s tourism sector, showcasing Calabar as a sporting destination with a rich sporting tradition. The event was designed to provide an outlet for young people to channel their energy into positive and beneficial pursuits, thereby fostering personal growth and societal development.
In terms of security, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gyogon Augustine Grimah, assured all participants and visitors to the state of their safety, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to maintain peace and order. He encouraged the youth to engage in the state’s developmental initiatives and steer clear of criminal activities, ensuring that every individual contributes meaningfully to the progress and prosperity of Cross River State. The Calabar Marathon not only celebrated athletic excellence but also promoted a message of positivity, unity, and progress for the youth and the community as a whole.
