InsiderBLM Africa
The Plateau State duo of Kefar Williams and Blessing Solomon won the first National Cross Country race on Saturday at the Rhino Gold Course in Jos.
Kefar won the race in 31:38.30 seconds, ahead of 2022 National 3000m steeplechase champion Stephen Joshua (31:51.69) and Emmanuel Gyang (32:01.77).
Williams’ time is both a personal best and a course record.
After the race, the Police Sergeant expressed his delight and asked the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to provide more competitions for distance runners.
“I believe we can compete with the East Africans if we receive the same level of attention and support that they receive here,” he said.
Solomon, the 2022 National Sports Festival 3000m steeplechase champion, ran 38:36.12 to win ahead of Deborah Pam (38:47:37) and Grace Danlami in the women’s race, which was run separately from the men in accordance with international standards.
Pam, the best Nigerian runner at this month’s Gold Label Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, was overjoyed to compete in her first Cross Country race in Nigeria.
“I am honored to be a part of this historic race. “I had to leave Lagos last night (Friday) night in order to run today (Saturday), and I’m thrilled to finish among the first three,” said the 32-year-old, whose husband, Emmanuel Gyang, finished third in the men’s race.
The top three finishers in the men’s and women’s races received N300,000, N200,000, and N100,000, respectively, for their efforts.
Athletes finishing fourth to twelfth place were also compensated for their efforts.
Mrs Deborah Pitman, who represented the Minister of Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, flagged off the race as the Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
