Top Nigerian long distance runners are set to slug it out for the prizes at stake in the 2023 edition of the Warri Effurun Peace Marathon.
The event billed for November 25, is expected to attract over 2000 professional and fun runners. This year’s race will also feature corporate and schools marathon relay.
Emmanuel Gyan the 2022 champion will face stiff challenge from Ishmael Sadjo and Stephen Dalyop. While in the Women’s veteran runner Deborah Pam will have her hands full contending with Joy Abiye, Elizabeth Nuhu and Patience Dalyop.
Gyan and Pam were the surprise winners last year, but Sadjo and Abiye have spoken about their resolve to avenger their unceremonious loss in 2022.
“It is going to be an interesting day at the Warri Effurun Peace Marathon, because the athletes are ready for a tough contest and the top prizes.
“My athletes in particular have trained hard and are ready for the challenge,” said coach Stephen Nuhu.
This is the eight edition of the 10km race, which was meant to be a fun run to promote peace and unity in Warri and environs. But the national elite athletes gatecrashed the event and organisers have no choice but to welcome them.
“It’s a race Nigerian elite runners and fun seekers look forward to every year and we on our part have always worked to make everything go well,” said Mrs Joyce Bozimo the WEPM chief organiser.
“We have a lot planned for this year and as usual all athletes winning prizes would be promptly settled.”
The event is sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and supported by the Delta State government.
