The winners at the podium displaying their proto-Cheques prize money.
By Ita Williams, Calabar
Plateau state team secured the 1st through 5th positions to win the just concluded 2025 Calabar Marathon in Calabar .
Imo state team took 6th place while Cross River team finished in 7th and 8th positions.
A 17 year old Gang James Boyi from Plateau State clinched victory in the male category of the 2025 Calabar Marathon, finishing the 24km race through the 12 km Carnival route twice with an impressive time of 1:04:24. He carted home the star prize of N 1 million.
He was closely followed by fellow Plateau State runner, Francis Musa, who clocked in at 1:04:51 and went home with N500, 000.
Gwom James Giang, from Plateau state who won the 2024 edition of the Calabar marathon came 5th.
In the female category, 28-year-old Agofure Charity from Delta State successfully defended her title, completing the race in 1:19:78 and took home N1 million.
She was trailed by Elizabeth Nuhu, whose time was 1:22:47 as the first runner up with N500,000 while the Cross River-born Godsmind Eteng, emerged second runner up and went home N300,000.
Coincidentally, these three female athletes emerged winners in the same order in last year’s edition.
All the winners attributed their success to their dedication to rigorous training, and expressed gratitude for the platforms provided by the Cross River State government.
“Hard work and consistency are essential,” Gang James stated, adding that “this victory is a stepping stone for my future in athletics.”
Senator Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, awarded each winner a star prize of one million naira during the ceremony. He was represented by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, who emphasized the event’s importance.
“The Calabar Marathon resonates with my policy of putting the people first. It’s essential for our youth to understand that engaging in social vices is not advisable,” Ayambem remarked.
Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, that organized the marathon, affirmed the intention to expand the event’s impact in the coming years.
He expressed appreciation to various partners who contributed to the marathon’s success, stating, “Our responsibility is to market the state and showcase the talents we have”
Recall , the prize money for last year was N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners..
