Nyango, Arusei Emerge Winners Of Rivers Int’l Marathon

The maiden edition of Rivers International Marathon Race organised by Arch Raphael Limited recorded a huge success as it was witnessed by a large crowd and people from all walks of life.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Mrs Valerie Siminalayi Fubara flagged off the 42 km race at Sharks Football Club Stadium, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt.
At the end of the event, Gyang Boyi Nyango of Pleatau State, finished 2:28:29 and Peninah Arusei of Kenya finished 2:48:23 to emerge winners of male and female categories, respectively.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the race last Saturday in Port Harcourt,Nyango expressed joy for winning the 42 km race, adding that the race was not easy but that he believed in himself.
According to him, his coach used to tell him to always believe in himself and not to give up despite the people competing against.
“The race was not easy but I believe in myself, my coach use to tell me to believe in myself despite the people I am competing against and I should not give up. I did not give up that is why I won the race.
“I keep pushing because a day before the race I said, I will defeat Kenya athletes who came for the event,” Nyango said.
He explained that it was not the first time he has competed against Kenyans, saying that he has defeated them in some competitions. He noted that the most important thing was to train hard.
“When you train well you will make it but if you do not train it will not be easy for you. I was discouraged from the starting point when a lot of the athletes were in my front but I know some of them will drop when they will get to 15 km.
“So I kept pushing because at the back of my mind I say I will not give up. I believe in myself that is why I was able to win the race,” he stated.
The race started from Sharks Stadium, Hospital Road Port Harcourt Township and ended at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara donated N5m each to the first positions male and female category, while from second position to 20th position given N1million each.
Iliya Pam Mwanta and Istifanus Peter of Plateau came second and third, respectively in the male category.

By: Tonye Orabere & Kiadum Edookor