Plateau athletes take top prizes at Agbokim Falls Green Marathon Race

Contingents from Plateau State secured major awards at the recently held Agbokim Falls Green Marathon Race on Saturday, which took place along the trans-Africa international highway from Ikom LGA to Etung LGA, culminating at the renowned Agbokim Water Falls in Cross River State.

The marathon featured three categories: the 42.1km race for elite national runners alongside a few local participants from Cross River State; the 21km race for local competitors; and a 10km race aimed at younger adults.

This inaugural event saw participation from over 50 athletes hailing from Plateau State, Delta, and other regions, with many expressing confidence in their chances for the 42km race victory.

Sporting Tribune reports that Plateau native Nenfort Matthias Gofwen, 35, emerged as the champion of the 42km race, winning N2 million. Shehu Muazu Adamu and Nyango Gyang, also from Plateau, finished in second and third place, receiving N1 million and N750,000 respectively.

In the women’s 42km category, Blessing Solomon Shambor from Boki took first place, also earning N2 million. Delta’s Agofure Charity, trained in Plateau, secured second place with a prize of N1 million, while Elizabeth Nuhu from Plateau finished third and won N750,000.

In the men’s 21km race, Effiong Orok, Emeka John, and Charles Umoh achieved first, second, and third places respectively, while Godsmind Nelson, Perpetual Happiness Ofoke, and Patience Eteobong claimed the top three positions in the women’s category.

In the 10km category, Alexandar Saviour, Emmanuel Emmanuel, and Agbor Abednego rounded out the top three finishers.

Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Agnes Atsu, highlighted the event’s role in nurturing youth talent and providing them with opportunities to shine on a larger stage.

He emphasized the importance of decentralising governmental activities to ensure citizens feel connected to governance, regardless of their location.

“Engaging youths in sports will steer them away from criminality. The goal of this marathon is to extend governance to rural communities, not just to those in Calabar.”

Looking ahead, the Governor announced plans for another marathon in the northern senatorial district, following the one held in Calabar. He pledged to improve sponsorship for next year’s event, aiming to elevate it to an international standard while addressing any challenges faced during this inaugural edition.

He urged participants to continue training and maintain their dedication to sports if they wish to achieve recognition.

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