Jalingo, the state capital, played host to the inaugural Taraba Marathon last Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the state's sporting landscape.
Despite an early morning downpour that blanketed Jalingo metropolis, both male and female participants turned out in large numbers for the event.
The 21-kilometer race commenced at the flyover bridge on Roadblock in Jalingo city, traversing through Barde Way and Bye Pass before culminating at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.
Commissioner of Sports, Joseph Joshua, highlighted that the marathon is a crucial component of the state's preparations for upcoming global sporting events like the World Olympics. He acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas's unwavering dedication to sports development and revealed plans to renovate the Jolly Nyame Stadium to bolster local sports activities.
Joshua also announced that the marathon would become an annual fixture, attracting athletes from all corners of the nation.
In the men's category, Newforth Mathias claimed victory with an impressive time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 41 seconds, while Charity Ogufure emerged as the women's champion, completing the race in 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 22 seconds.
Both winners credited their success to rigorous training and expressed gratitude to the Taraba State government for welcoming athletes from other states.
Several participants, however, cited the heavy rainfall as a challenge that affected their performance.
The Commissioner remarked, "We welcomed athletes from various states, with top runners hailing from Delta and Plateau states. This race was open to all athletes nationwide, and with the success of this inaugural edition, subsequent marathons will be grander and more vibrant."
Cash prizes of N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 were awarded to the top three finishers in each category, with all participants receiving certificates of participation.
.jpeg)
0 Comments