The 4th edition of the Calabar Marathon took place on a Saturday in Calabar, with 19-year-old Iliya Raymond from Plateau State emerging as the winner. He completed the 24-kilometre race in 1:06:31.2 seconds, earning a prize of 1.2 million naira. The event drew a significant number of participants from across Nigeria, showcasing the country's rich talent in athletics. Raymond's achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport.
The competition was fierce, with fellow Plateau State runner Badung Emmanuel Davon finishing second with a time of 1:28:07.8 seconds and taking home a prize of 700,000 naira. Aliya Raymond, also from Plateau State, secured third place with a time of 1:09:01.28, winning 400,000 naira. The event featured a range of athletes from different states, highlighting the depth of talent in Nigerian athletics. The prizes for the top three finishers in both the male and female categories were substantial, providing a significant incentive for participants.
In the female category, 16-year-old Mary Bulus Jah from Plateau State won the star prize of 1.2 million naira with a time of 1:18:54 seconds. Chigozirim Esther from Imo State finished second with a time of 1:29:25 seconds, earning 700,000 naira. Agofore Charity, who had won the star prize in the previous two editions, secured third place with a time of 1:19:17.8 seconds and a prize of 400,000 naira. The female category showcased the country's young and talented athletes.
The event, themed "Run for conscience against poverty," drew close to 2,000 registrations and had about 800 athletes screened, making it the biggest Calabar Marathon yet. The Managing Director of Cross River Tourism Bureau, Mr. John Atsu, expressed satisfaction with the event's success, citing the growth in participation and the strong energy from sponsors and vendors. He attributed the success to the rising credibility of the event.
Mr. Atsu also mentioned that planning for the next edition will start immediately, with the goal of making it even bigger and better. The event's success reflects the country's ability to host large-scale athletic events. The participation of athletes from across Nigeria was a notable aspect of the event.
The Calabar Marathon is not the only athletic event on the horizon for Cross River Tourism Bureau. Mr. Atsu mentioned that the Bureau targets November 2027 for the revival of the Obudu Mountain Race. He expressed confidence that one year is enough time to put the event back on the calendar.
The 2026 Calabar Marathon's success has set a positive tone for future athletic events in Nigeria. With a strong showing from young athletes like Iliya Raymond and Mary Bulus Jah, the country's future in athletics looks bright. The event's impact extends beyond the competition itself, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and for sponsors to support the development of athletics in Nigeria.
Key points
- 19-year-old Iliya Raymond wins 2026 Calabar Marathon with a time of 1:06:31.2 seconds.
- The event drew close to 2,000 registrations and had about 800 athletes screened.
- The next edition of the Calabar Marathon will start immediately, with the goal of making it even bigger and better.
