Timothy Kibii secured first place in the fourth Port Harcourt International Marathon on Saturday. Punch reports the Kenyan athlete defeated roughly 3,000 competitors to win the $5,000 top prize. The event, known as The Green Race, started and finished at the Polo Club in the Government Reservation Area. The 21-kilometre route passed through various streets in the Rivers State capital.
Allwell Ihunda, chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, highlighted the economic benefits of the race. He noted that participants would spend money on local hotels and services. "Those from outside the state, of course, will use the hospitality industry," Ihunda told Punch. He added that the influx of visitors would boost the local economy significantly. Ihunda also praised the organizers for their efforts in hosting the event successfully.
Goodluck Azunwena, the marathon convener, stated the goal was to put Port Harcourt on the global sporting map. He explained that marathons are a standard feature of serious cities worldwide. Azunwena wants to make the city a hub for international running events. He also outlined a plan to develop local talent and export runners from Port Harcourt to global competitions. Azunwena thanked the Rivers State Government for its support and promised improvements for future editions.
Kibii shared his thoughts on the race conditions with Punch. He said the course was flat with some mild hills. He noted that the hot weather was more challenging than the high-altitude training in Kenya. Kibii also compared the competition levels, stating that runners in Kenya face stiffer challenges. He expressed gratitude for his victory, noting he initially aimed for the top three spots.
The organizers awarded consolation prizes to the top seven finishers. The event drew participants from across Nigeria and other countries. Local officials viewed the marathon as a way to showcase hidden athletic talent. The race served as a platform to promote the city’s tourism potential.