Hamadjam Yahaya from Taraba State and a Police Inspector, Atuoma Chidinma, from Abia State have emerged winners in both male and female categories in the 5th edition of Opobo Marathon.
The winners went home with the sum of N250,000 each, while second and third positions in both male and female categories were rewarded with N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.
In the male category, Clinton Toby came second, with Mariya Ahmed trailing behind, while Victory Toby came second in the female race with Princess Aniete finishing in third place.
In an interview, both Yahaya and Atuoma expressed satisfaction with their performances, saying it was a reward for months of practice and endurance.
They both disclosed that they were visiting Opobo for the first time and that the marathon has given them the opportunity to know the ancient kingdom.
Yahaya particularly commended the organisers for a great initiative and called for more of such marathon races across the country to groom more talents.
Speaking at the finishing point, the Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, who also took part in the leisure category, praised the organisers for a job well done.
He stated that apart from exposing the ancient town to the world, the marathon will further entrench the time-honoured hospitality of the people, its rich culture and human resource across diverse fields of human endeavour.
Chairman of the organising Committee, Bright Ogolo; Team Lead, Iyowuna Cookey and Patron, Sody Peterside all expressed satisfaction with the quality of athletes, competition and increasing interests amongst Opobo people and Rivers at large.
