It was a clean sweep for Plateau State as athletes from the state dominated the podium in both the elite male and female categories of the 2026 Calabar Marathon held in Calabar at the weekend.
In the 21.1km half marathon, the trio of Iliya Raymond, Badung Emmanuel Davou and Iliya Emmanuel Dong claimed first, second and third positions respectively in the male category, leaving spectators and officials in awe of their teamwork and endurance.
Announcing the results at the Awards and Networking Ceremony held at the Marina Resort, Calabar, Dr Paul Ibiala, National officer of Nigerian Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), revealed that Iliya Raymond clinched the top prize with an impressive time of 1 hour, 6 minutes, 31 seconds (1:06:31).
His kinsman, Badung Emmanuel Davou, followed closely in second place with 1:07:28, while Iliya Emmanuel Dong completed the Plateau sweep in third position with 1:09:01.
The NAATO representative could not hide his admiration for the athletes’ strategy:
“Look at their legs. And let me give you the trick, you know how they do it? They collaborate. As one is in front, he is urging the other, ‘come, come, come’ and they move like that. That is why you see them taking the first three positions. Plateau State has swept the podium in the male category.”
In the female elite category, Bulus Mary of Plateau State emerged champion, while Chigozirim Esther of Imo State and Charity Agofure of Delta State came second and third respectively.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. John Atsu, who extended a warm welcome to guests, athletes and sponsors, described the marathon as more than just a race.
“Today will not just be about prizes. Today is a celebration. Today is about running together, testing our endurance and refusing to give up,” he said.
He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Run for Conscience Against Poverty’, was a reminder that the fight against poverty requires consistent and collective effort.
He commended the Cross River State Government for its commitment and appreciated sponsors including MTN, NNPC/NPL, Zenith Bank, Hit FM and others for ensuring the success of the event.
Winners in both elite male and female categories went home with N1.2 million, N700,000 and N400,000 for first, second and third positions respectively, in addition to 24 consolation prizes of N50,000 each for other top finishers.
For the indigenous category, it was also keenly contested. In the female race, Angel Nelson from Yakurr Local Government Area came first, while twins Favour and Faith Ani from Abi LGA came second and third respectively.
In the male indigenous category, Samuel Okon from Bakassi LGA clinched first position, Miracle Ashama from Obudu LGA came second, while Ekerikan John from Obanliku LGA took third position.
They went home with N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively, plus 24 consolation prizes of N50,000 each for runners who finished within the top 15 as a morale booster.
Dignitaries who graced the event included the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Eme Afiah, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr Anthony Okon, Prof Nyong among others.
By Nakanda Iyadim
