"FOREIGN ATHLETES DOMINATE PORT HARCOURT MARATHON BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA "

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State says the successful hosting of an international marathon in the state was an indication that peaceful co-existence has been restored in the city of Port Harcourt.

Governor Amaechi, who was speaking at the presentation of prizes to winners of the first International Marathon in Port Harcourt, said his government was determined to foster a peaceful atmosphere that would engender development in all sectors of the economy of the state.

According to him, “the presence of our foreign brothers and sisters, who are happy to compete here, shows that the state is conducive for all to go about their legitimate businesses”.

He explained that his administration was doing its best to revive the pleasant environment which the city of Port Harcourt hitherto enjoyed, noting that with the help of God a lot of progress has been recorded in delivering quality leadership to the people.

The governor thanked all those who participated in the event and advised Nigerian Marathoners to remain focused to enable them achieve great heights like the international athletics stressing that the state government was prepared to encourage its sportsmen and women in all fronts.

Governor Amaechi who had earlier flagged off the race, commended the organizers for arousing a lot of interest in the event and assured participants that the 2010 edition of the marathon event would be better both in organization and prize money.

Earlier, the second Vice President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Dr Gloria Chukukere described the first ever International Marathon in the state as a historic event and lauded athletes for their large turnout.

Meanwhile, foreign athletes, majority of whom are Ethiopians, dominated the list of victors for the first ever Port Harcourt International Marathon in both the male and female categories.

The first prize of $10,000 dollars went to an Ethiopian born athlete, Mr Male-Bazu Worku, with fellow country man Mohammed Abda coming second while the third position went to Festus Langat of Kenya.

In the female category, Ethiopian athletes had a clean sweep with Miss Atemitu Abera coming first, Firehighwot Dadotufa came second while Radiya Adloroba took the third position and they received their prizes of $10,000, $7,000, and $5,000 respectively.

Dajuma Kipkudi led the winners list in Nigeria’s male category while John Bulus and Gowok Joshua were runners up. Binatu Yohana was the female national winner while Queensly Asedo and Nancy Matthews were runners up.

Obo Nke was the overall best male Rivers athlete at the marathon with Ita Okon and Anthony Dagogo coming second and third respectively while Ibimina Harrison, David Chidinma and Sabri Sole were the female victors from Rivers State.

Over 3,500 athletes participated in the 21.098km International Marathon.