Coal City 2024: Plateau athletes dominate half marathon in Enugu

Francis James of Plateau emerged winner of the maiden edition of Zenith Bank Coal City Half Marathon on Saturday in Enugu.

James returned in a time of 1:12mins: 2 secs. to win the N1 million prize money.

Ismael Sajo of Cross River came second in a time of 1: 13 mins: 51secs and Nenfort Mathias of Plateau came third in a time of 1: 43 mins:5secs.

Also Patience Dalyop of Plateau clocked 1: 25mins: 51secs  to win the female category, while Agbofure Charity of Delta came second in a time of 1: 26mins: Munifikat Emmanuel of Plateau came  third.

The second and third place winners received the sum of N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.

Speaking, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State said his administration was ready to improve on the successes recorded at the marathon.

“I assure you that by 2025, we will upgrade it to  international standard, ” he said

Mbah said the state was ready to host the best athletes in Nigeria, adding that his administration would encourage all forms of sporting activities.

He commended the management of Zenith Bank for pertnering with  state in sports development.

The Zonal Head, Zenith Bank Enugu Njideks Aroh commended Mbah for the infrastructural development of Enugu State.

She said that the bank was ready to partner with the state government on sports development.

Also speaking,  the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu thanked Zenith Bank for the partnership.

She announced a N100,000  reward for  each of  the  State athletes who participated at the event.

Ekweremadu said that  the gesture is aimed encouraging more participation of  indigenes of Enugu state in future competitions.