Nigerians shine at Premium Trust Bank’s Abuja half marathon

Despite Kenya’s sweeping dominance at the 2025 Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon over the weekend in Abuja, it was the standout performances of three Nigerians that gave thousands of fans renewed hope for the future of long-distance running in the country. Nigeria’s Adamu Shehu delivered the nation’s best result, finishing 4th overall with […]

Despite Kenya’s sweeping dominance at the 2025 Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon over the weekend in Abuja, it was the standout performances of three Nigerians that gave thousands of fans renewed hope for the future of long-distance running in the country.

Nigeria’s Adamu Shehu delivered the nation’s best result, finishing 4th overall with a time of 1:08:25:49.

His impressive outing earned him a double cash reward of N2 million and $4,000 for placing among the top eight men.

In the women’s race, Shambor Blessing and Akusho Lydia made history for Nigeria as they both finished on the podium, securing second and third place with times of 1:16:28:69 and 1:16:34:67, respectively.

Yet, Kenya reaffirmed its long-standing supremacy in distance running with a complete sweep in both the men’s and women’s elite categories. Kephar Namutala, Edwin Kipyago, and Ezekiel Chepkovomi took the top three men’s positions. Namutala won in 1:05:14:45, claiming the $8,000 prize, followed by Kipyago ($6,000) and Chepkovomi ($5,000).

Another Nigerian, Auta Monday, placed 8th overall and second among Nigerians, finishing in 1:09:45:96 and earning $500 plus N1.5 million.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s Mercy Jepkemoi claimed victory in 1:14:53:23, while Nigeria’s Shambor and Akusho capped a remarkable day with their podium finishes.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko commended the Organisers of the race, Nilayo Sport Management limited for continually raising the bar of road races in Nigeria with premium organisation of the race.