From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Nyango Gyang of Plateau State has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Anambra State Marathon, defeating other marathoners to win the prize money of N1 million.
Gyang won the 40 kilometer marathon, which began at the Ogbunike Toll gate, through Enugu -Onitsha expressway, and ended in Awka, in a record 1 hour 26 minutes.
The event, organized by Thanos Charity Foundation, in partnership with Federal Ministry of Sports and the state government, began at the Ogbunike Toll gate, through Enugu -Onitsha expressway, and ended in Awka.
Ismael Sadjoh came second to win the cash prize of N500,000 while Selengwe Constant, won the second runner-up prize money of N300,000.
In an interview, the marathon winner, Gyang disclosed that he got information about the marathon through his coach, who encouraged him to register and participate.
“I want to commend the organisers for making it open for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion.
“It was an experience that I was given to continue to develop my skills as an athlete. I believe government and other individuals can also emulate this effort and begin to do more in the area of creating the platform for young athletes to develop their talents while getting some reward.
“I am so delighted and I promise to do better in future competitions,” he said.
For Mr Ifeanyi Ugochukwu, the President of Thanos Charity Foundation, organizers of the event, the idea behind the event, is to identify sports talents in the state, and give them platform to showcase their talents to the world.
He added that the Foundation is determined to improve sporting activities in Anambra state and they are partnering with the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Commerce and Wealth Creation as well as the Ministry of Health.
“We are looking to beat the records of Lagos Marathon of organizing the biggest Marathon event in the country that will attract athletes from all over the place.
“Through this initiative, we want to discover budding talents in sports and hand them over to the state to represent the state in future competitions and also stated that Anambra State is safe which the success of the marathon has proven,” he said.