Athletes from Plateau State have emerged victorious in the first-ever Taraba Marathon that took place on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital.
The Plateau athletes, Newspot observed, swept both the male and female categories despite an early morning downpour that enveloped Jalingo metropolis.
The race, which started at the flyover bridge located on Roadblock in Jalingo city, passed through Barde Way and Bye Pass and concluded at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.
The 21-kilometer marathon, as made known by the commissioner of sports, Joseph Joshua, is part of preparations for the upcoming World Olympics and other major sports events.
Crediting the state governor, Agbu Kefas for his commitment to sports development in the state, he noted that plans to renovate the Jolly Nyame Stadium to further enhance local sports activities, are in the pipeline.
He also announced that the marathon would no doubt become an annual event that will herald the presence of athletes from the nooks and crannies of the country.
While Newforth Mathias from Plateau State won the men’s race with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 41 seconds, Charity Ogufure, who is also from Plateau State, finished first with a time of 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 22 seconds.
Both winners, who attributed their success to rigorous training and dedication, expressed gratitude to the Taraba State government for allowing athletes from other states to compete in the event.
Other athletes who spoke with Newspot, cited the heavy rain as a factor that hindered their performance.
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