Athletes from Plateau State emerged victorious in the first-ever Taraba Marathon held on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital. Despite an early morning downpour, the Plateau athletes dominated both the male and female categories of the race.
The marathon, which covered a distance of 21 kilometers, commenced at the flyover bridge on Roadblock in Jalingo, traversed through Barde Way and Bye Pass, and concluded at the Jolly Nyame Stadium. The event, organized as part of preparations for the upcoming World Olympics and other major sports events, drew significant attention and participation.
Joseph Joshua, the commissioner of sports for Taraba State, highlighted the importance of the marathon in the state’s sports development agenda. He credited Governor Agbu Kefas for his unwavering support and commitment to enhancing local sports activities. Joshua also revealed plans to renovate the Jolly Nyame Stadium to further bolster sports infrastructure in the state.
The commissioner announced that the marathon is set to become an annual event, attracting athletes from across the country. This year’s race saw exceptional performances from Plateau State athletes, with Newforth Mathias winning the men’s race with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 41 seconds. Charity Ogufure, also from Plateau State, secured victory in the women’s race, finishing in 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 22 seconds.
Both winners attributed their success to rigorous training and dedication. They expressed their gratitude to the Taraba State government for organizing the event and allowing athletes from other states to participate.
Several other athletes mentioned the heavy rain as a challenge that affected their performance. Nonetheless, the event was deemed a success, showcasing the potential for sports to unite and inspire across different regions of Nigeria.
