Kenyan runner Timothy Kibii has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the Port Harcourt International Marathon, tagged ‘The Green Race’, held on Saturday in the Rivers State capital.
Kibii defeated about 3,000 other athletes from within and outside Nigeria to emerge winner of the marathon.
Flagging off the marathon, the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, said the event had helped to reveal hidden talents in Nigeria, particularly in Port Harcourt.
Ihunda added that the event would boost the tourism potential of the state, while commending the organisers for their efforts in ensuring its success.
“As the mayor of Port Harcourt, I feel very, very excited and happy that today Port Harcourt City Local Government is hosting this marathon race. And of course, it’s going to showcase the talent of those who are participating, both within and outside Rivers State and even outside the country.
“It’s also going to boost the economy of the state because I can imagine 3,000 participants. Those from outside the state, of course, will use the hospitality industry. They will look for accommodation in various hotels where they’re going to stay.
“Even those from outside the country. So, it’s going to boost the economy of the state. It’s a great benefit to us, and we’re happy that we’re the ones hosting this event today,” he said.
Ihunda expressed the council’s readiness to partner with the organisers for future editions.
In his remarks, the Convener of the Port Harcourt International Marathon, Goodluck Azunwena, said the event was aimed at showcasing Port Harcourt to the world and making the city part of global conversations.
Azunwena said he planned to make Port Harcourt a sporting destination and export marathon runners from the city to other parts of the world.
“We’re having a marathon and not any other kind of entertainment or sporting activity because we believe, as a brand, we want to showcase Port Harcourt to the world, that Port Harcourt is a serious city and every serious city has a marathon.
“We want Port Harcourt to be part of the global conversation when it comes to sports, when it comes to green energy. That’s why we named it the Green Race. And when it comes to things that are globally practised.
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“We want Port Harcourt to be one of the destinations for marathons across the world,” he said.
Azunwena added, “We hope to export international marathoners from Port Harcourt. Not just bringing people to experience Port Harcourt but to export marathoners from this town out to the world. That’s the master plan.”
He commended the Rivers State Government and partner agencies for supporting the event, assuring that subsequent editions would be better.
Speaking with journalists, Kibii expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the event.
He commended the organisers and fellow athletes, describing the marathon as a good experience.
“My experience has not disappointed me. I came here with an expectation of running good, that is, of course, being on the podium. I didn’t anticipate winning, but to be in the top three. But God has enabled me to win today. I’m so grateful.
“The marathon is good. The course is okay, flat, somehow hilly, but not steep. But the marathon is good. The challenge, maybe I can say, is the hot condition here. Unlike where we trained in Kenya, it is a high-altitude area,” he said.
Comparing the competition for marathon runners in Nigeria and Kenya, Kibii said the level of competition was higher in his country.
The PUNCH reports that the 21-kilometre race started at the Polo Club in GRA, passed through various routes and streets in Port Harcourt and ended at the same venue.
The winner received 1,500 and $500, respectively.
The organisers also announced consolation prizes for athletes who finished up to seventh position.
