Gang James Boyi, a 17-year-old athlete from Plateau State, has emerged winner of the 3rd edition of the Calabar Marathon, clocking an impressive 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 23.2 seconds over the 24-kilometre race to claim the N1 million star prize.
Coming in right behind him was fellow Plateau State runner, Francis James Musa (18), who finished in 1:04:51.8, earning the second-place prize of N500,000. Aliya Raymondalso followed closely, taking third place with a time of 1:06:59.1 and pocketing N300,000.
In the women’s category, Agofore Charity of Delta State defended her 2024 title in style. She finished in 1:19:17.8, once again walking away with N1 million. Elizabeth Nuhu and Godsmind Eteng, a 12-year-old runner from Cross River, placed second and third, winning N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.
Runners who placed 4th to 7th in both categories also received N100,000 each as a reward for their performance.
Over 500 runners — both professionals and fitness enthusiasts — took part in the 15km race, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere in the streets of Calabar.
At the flag-off ceremony, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the marathon aligns with his administration’s “people-first” policy.
“The Calabar Marathon resonates with my policy of putting the people first,” he said, adding that the initiative was aimed at steering youth away from social vices and creating a platform for them to discover and grow their talents.
Prince Ekpenyong Ojoi, Managing Director of the State Tourism Bureau and the event’s organiser, said the marathon is also a strategic move to promote Cross River’s tourism appeal. He expressed optimism that the event will continue to grow and eventually produce athletes who will shine on national and international stages.
After the race, the winners credited their victories to dedication and consistent training, thanking the state government for providing the opportunity to showcase their abilities.
