By Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Gang James Boyi, a 17-year-old athlete from Plateau State, has emerged as the winner of the male category in the 2025 Calabar Marathon.
Gang James won the 24km race with a time of 1:04:24, followed closely by Francis Musa also from Plateau State, who came second with a time of 1:04:51.
In the female category, Agofure Charity, 28, from Delta State, retained her title with a time of 1:19:78.
She was followed by Elizabeth Nuhu, who finished the race in 1:22:47.
The male and female winners attributed their victories to consistent training and hard work.
They also appreciated the opportunity provided by the Cross River State government to compete in the marathon.
The winners each received a star prize of one million naira from the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
Represented by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, the governor said the race aligns with his policy of putting people first.
“The Calabar Marathon resonates with my policy of putting the people first.
“It is also to let our youths know that social vices are not worth indulging in.”
Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of the state Tourism Bureau, which organized the race, expressed his commitment to growing the event in the coming years.
He thanked various partners who contributed to the success of the 2025 race, emphasizing that their responsibility is to market the state.