Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
A 17-year-old Plateau State indigene, Francis James, yesterday finished second at the maiden Abuja City Premier Trust Bank International Bank Half-Marathon.
James crossed the line in 1hr. to finish second behind the winner of the race, Shadrack Ngumbau from Kenya.
Ngumbau won the 21km race with the time of 1hr,07mins 08 secs to claim the gold medal and $5,000 first prize for the International field.
But the cynosure of all eyes was James, who inspired an impressive Nigerian outing in both the male and female categories.
James received $3,000 for finishing second in addition to the cash reward of N1 million as the best Nigerian performer promised by the CEO of Nilayo Sports Management, Bukola Olopade.
The teenager, who started running marathon two years ago and won the Lagos Mangrove Marathon last year, said he was excited with his podium finish.
“I never imagined I would finish second, but it is a pleasant feeling. I have been running marathon since the past two seasons. I thank God I finished second but I want to assure all that I will aim for the top prize next year if I continue to get support and encouragement like this from the country,” James said.
Raticm Kenneth of Kenya cashed $2,000 for finishing third with the time of 1.08.55, while another Nigerian Gyang Emmanuel finished fourth at 1.10.52 to cash $1000 plus N750,000 as the second best Nigerian performer.
Cameroon’s Adamu Shehu finished fifth.
Nigerian athletes also had an impressive outing in the women event with Patience Daylop, Yilmune Nicholas and Elizabeth Nuhu finishing 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
South Sudan’s Gaspora Atalana won the race and $5,000 cash prize at the time of 1.20.23 ahead of Toofrida Lodefa and Rotto Nancy Jebat both from Kenya.
