By Aiyeku Timothy

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2024 is set to break new grounds as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) plays host to the road race organised by Nilayo Sports Management on Saturday, April 20.

Speaking at the Press Conference organized by Nilayo Sports Management, on Friday, the chairman AFN Road Running Commission, Yusuf Ali, gave reasons for the excitements ahead of the 21 km race.

According to the long jump record holder, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja International Half Marathon could earn Nilayo Sports Management a new LABEL as chipping will be used on all runners to meet the international best practices and standards.

He also disclosed that the organizers will be employing three sets of timing for the highly anticipated half marathon, which will be the first of its kind in the FCT. This is to help authenticate the results and eliminate every form of cheats that could be experienced.

He said “We are chipping every runner and we are going to have three sets of timing here, we’re going to have the transponder timing, we are going to have the FET and the manual back up. All three cannot fail. 

“In Lagos we started with 2 and now we are having 3, it’s a step ahead. I can assure you that the race will be seamless and all water points will be manned by 7up bottling company.”

He added that “All runners that finish the race will have a medal and a certificate. We want to improve our local athletes.

The athletics legend also noted that the Abuja course is very flat which making it possible for the PremiumTrust Bank Marathon race to produce a record finish time by Nigeria in over 10 years.

According to him, “In 1991 Nigeria’s record in a marathon was 2 hours 15mins by Abbas Mohammed and the World record was 2: 05. We were just 10 mins apart…now the world record is 2:00, and we are 2:28, but hopefully, with this initiative, Nigeria will catch up.

In his remarks, representative of the headline sponsors, PremiumTrust Bank, Sina Atilola said the best way to increase employment in Nigeria, to reduce the kind of messes we have is to engage the youths and the fastest and the best way is to use sports and athletics is a major part of it. 

“This marathon will be one of the best of its kind in the whole of Africa. It’s not only because that is our goal and ambition because of the partner we have in Nilayo. Consistently, they have delivered exceptionally, and we know this will not be an exception in their delivery.” He added 

The event was also  graced with the presence of Mr Luka Istifanus – Director of Sports, FCT, Mr Segun Ogunleye – General Manager Marketing 7up Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba - NOC Vice Chairman, Joseph Ohia – Nord Motors, Nordin Khan – President World Utra Running, Mr Olamide Bello – GM Sales & Business Dev’t, Dana Group,  and distinguished members of the press.