Jos Marathon: Athletes Solicit More Government Involvement

CHANNELS TV

Athletes at the just concluded Jos marathon competition, are soliciting more involvement of the government, in long distance races.

This according to them, is in order to compete favorably with their counterparts across the globe and win more laurels for the country at international competitions. Winner of the 42 kilometre race, Philibus Sharabutu, believes that government participation in providing camping for the athletes, before major competitions as well as provision of adequate medical services and kits, will motivate athletes in bringing out their best at competitions.

In his words, “most marathoners sponsor themselves to competitions and if government could help us, we have the skill and determination to run in marathon races across the globe and come out tops. “We have the chances to perform better than the Kenyans in marathon, but the government should invest more in the athletes by motivating us through long period camping, medical attention and adequate kits.”

Secretary General of Athletics federation of Nigeria, Bamiduro Olumide, however expressed satisfaction on the standard of the event with assurance that the federation will give its support to the annual event.

“We are happy to identify with the Jos marathon, it’s one of our ideas in promoting athletes at all levels, as we are looking at other areas of diversifying in various specialties, so that we can win medals at various competitions globally – that is why we are supporting the long distance races and this event in particular.

“Having seen this, we’re looking forward to the next edition which will be better organised,” the athletics scribe added.

Over 200 runners participated in the Jos international marathon in three categories, namely the five, 10 and 42 kilometres races across the tin city.

One of Nigeria’s prospects in the long distance race, Philibus Sharabutu, who emerged winner in the 42 kilometre race, breasted the tape in 2 hrs 28 minutes 46 secs.

He carted away the prize money of five million Naira, Iliya Pam, came second with 2 hrs 29 minutes 49 secs while Kefas Williams came third at 2 hrs 30 minutes 42 secs.

In the women category, athletes of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, dominated the race with Deborah Pam, emerging the winners in 2 hrs 52 mins 16 secs, Hudung Gyang, second in 3 hrs 01 mins 01 secs, while Olude Fadekemi, was third in 3 hrs 01 mins 54 secs.

The Jos marathon started in 2009 but did not attract high profile athletes until the 2016 edition, in which more athletes across the nation participated with the prize money having increased to five million Naira for winners, 2.5 million Naira for the first runners up and 1.5 million Naira, for the second runners up.

The first ten runners were also awarded various prizes with 5% of the prize money being donated to charity organisations.