Kenyan athletes, Kephar Namitala, and Mercy Jepkemon, have claimed victory in the second Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Half International Marathon, with Namitala clocking an impressive 1:05:14:45.

Namitala fended off compatriots Edwin Kepyago (1:05:39:37) and Ezekiel Chepkovomi (1:06:05:99) in a hotly contested men’s race, earning himself an $8,000 prize. Nigeria’s Adamu Shehu Muazu put in a strong performance, finishing fourth with a time of 1:08:25:49 and securing a N2 million prize.

In the women’s category, Mercy Jepkemon of Kenya crossed the finish line first in 1:14:53:28. Nigerian runners Shambor Blessing Solomon (1:16:28) and Akusho Lydia Thomas (1:16:38:67) secured second and third place respectively

Edwin Kepyago, also from Kenya, finished close behind in second place with a time of 1:05:39:73, demonstrating the depth of talent among Kenyan athletes.

Completing the podium for the men’s category, Ezekiel Chepkovomi of Kenya crossed the line in 1:06:05:99**, solidifying Kenya’s dominance in the event.

Nigerian runner Adamu Shehu Muazu put in a commendable performance, finishing fourth with a time of 1:08:25:49, and earned a prize of N2 million as the top Nigerian competitor.

Mathew Kiprotich, another Kenyan, claimed fifth place with a time of 1:08:27:44, followed closely by compatriot Benard Chirchir in sixth with 1:08:27:63.

Seventh place went to Solomon Koch of Kenya, who completed the race in 1:08:30:83, while Nigeria’s Auta Jigak Monday marked a strong showing in eighth with 1:09:23:70.

Ethiopia’s Dawit Emayo secured ninth place, finishing in 1:09:45:96, and rounding out the top ten was Nigeria’s Friday Elisha, who crossed the finish line in 1:10:30:52.

In the women’s category, Mercy Jepkemon from Kenya claimed victory with a time of 1:14:53:28, leading the field convincingly.

Nigerian runner Shambor Blessing Solomon finished in second place, clocking 1:16:28, while compatriot Akusho Lydia Thomas took third with a time of 1:16:38:67.

Ethiopia’s Ebste Alagud Blow secured fourth place, crossing the line in 1:17:29:20, while Rita Busienu, also from Ethiopia, finished fifth with a time of 1:18:27:88.

Nigerian athlete Obadiah Vivian placed sixth, completing the race in 1:20:17:63, ahead of compatriot Kypukudu Kevina, who finished seventh in 1:21:06:12.

Eighth place was claimed by Emily Emmaof Nigeria, finishing in 1:25:15:87, while Danladi Nanlop followed closely in ninth with a time of 1:26:11:97.

Completing the top ten women was Tanko Nvou, who finished the race in 1:28:14:21. showcasing the growing talent within the Nigerian running community.

Overall, the marathon highlighted the competitive spirit and endurance of both Kenyan and Nigerian athletes, setting the stage for future races.