Top Nigerian long distance runners and keep-fit enthusiasts are warming up for the eight edition of the Warri Effurun Peace marathon billed for Saturday November 25.
Some of the athletes who are , which include Emmaunel Gyan defending champion, Ishmael Sadjo, Iliya Pam, Paul James in the men category and Deborah Pam, Hundung Gyan, Joy Abiye David, Elizbeath Nuhu in the woman’s race have their eyes on the top prize as they Warri Effurun Peace Marathon has become a favourite competition destination for them.
“I’ve loved come back here every year to compete and this year I’m very ready to race against the best and win, said Sadjo.
He was favourite to win the 2022 edition but was given a shocker by Gyan. “All I can say is that the people of Warri should look forward to a keenly contested race.”
Gyan on his part hinted that he had train very hard and would be in the competition with the aim to win.
In the women’s race Pam who came back from maternity leave to win in 2022, is the woman to beat. her coach Stephen Nuhu hinted that she is focused on defending her title despite her losing to Joy Abiye in another race in October.
“She is coming to Warri with the hope to win that’s what every top athlete train to do,” said coach Nuhu.
He said there are many more athletes from his domain Jos who would have loved to compete in Warri, but for the exorbitant transport cost.
“Races like the Warri Effurun Peace Marathon offers a good training ground for our young athletes, there are many who wish to be there but the transport fee is too much.”
One million naira is the prize money at stake in the both the men and women categories. And for the local athletes N300,000 is up for grabs.
“We will ensure that all winnings are paid as soon as possible, because we know how hard it is for the athletes to travel down,” said a member of the organizing committee.
