Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The maiden edition of Zenith Bank Coal City Half Marathon was successfully held on Saturday in Enugu with Francis James of Plateau State becoming the winner of N1, 000, 000 star prize.
James finished in a time of One hour twelve minutes and two seconds to win the One million naira prize money.
Ismeal Sajo of Cross River State, came second in a time of One hour thirteen minutes fifty one seconds and Nenfort Mathias of Plateau came third in a time of One hour forty three minutes five seconds.
Also Patience Dalyop of Plateau clocked One hour twenty five minutes and fifty one seconds to win the female category while Agbofure Charity of Delta came second in a time of One hour twenty six minutes. Munifikat Emmanuel of Plateau placed third.
The second and third place winners received the sum of Five Hundred and Three Hundred naira prizes respectively
Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State said his administration was ready to improve on the success recorded by the marathon.
“I assure you that by next year we will upgrade it to the international standard,” he said.
Mbah said the state was ready to host the best athletes in Nigeria, adding that his administration would encourage all forms of sports activities.
He commended the management of Zenith Bank for partnering the state in sports development.
The Zonal Head, Zenith Bank Enugu, Njideka Aroh commended Mbah for the infrastructural development of Enugu State.
She said that the bank was ready to partner with the state government in sports development.
Also speaking the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremmadu thanked Zenith Bank for the partnership.
He announced a one hundred thousand naira reward each to athletes from Enugu State, who participated in the event.
“This is to encourage more participation Enugu indigenes in future competitions.”
