Teenagers Dominate PH Centenary Marathon

The Port Harcourt Centenary  Marathan race organised on Friday as part of activities marking the 100 years of Port Harcourt City threw up teenagers, especially in the female category on stars of the competition.

At the end of the 16.027 kilometre race which was flagged off at the Sharks FC Stadium by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Engr Tele Ikuru, 16 year old Ibimina Harrison and 13-year-old Joy Francis emerged top two finishers in the female category. Blessing Wika finished  third .

In the male category, Ita Okon, Clinton Amara and Dooyena Kiisi, respectively finished first, second and third.

About N1.3 million prize money was on offer for the first 40 finishers in the male and female categories with the top three male finishers going home with N150,000, N100,000 and N80,000, respectively. Fourth to 10th finishers  got a graduated pay packet, while 11th 40th positions received N5,000 consolation prize, same as the female category.

The top three females received the sum of N100,000, N80,000 and N60,000 while fourth to 10th also received graduated prizes.

Speaking moments before the prize presentation the female top two spoke of their desire to make a care in long distance race and called on the state government to assist them.

Earlier, chairman of the Port Harcourt Centenary  Celebrations, George Feyii, who  is also the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, SSG has urged the Marathoners to have a good race.

Also speaking, chairman of Board of Rivers State Sports Council Charles Paul said that the choice of marathon as the first of activities for the celebration was apt, as Port Harcourt is home for sports.

He state the commitment of government to sustaining the sports heritage of the city and investing on further sports development to ensure that the city maintains its status in the sports sector.