19 Year Old Iliya Raymond Wins 4th Calabar Marathon, Gets N1.2m Star Prize

By Missang AKPET

Plateau State-born runner, Iliya Raymond, has emerged winner of the 4th edition of the Calabar Marathon.

The 19-year-old won the 21.1km half marathon after reaching the finish line at 1:06:31.2 secs to claim the N1.2 million star prize.

Another Plateau runner, Badung Emmanuel Davon, 20, who finished in 1:08:07.8 secs, came second and won N700,000, while Aliya Raymond, who returned in 1:09:01.28 secs, came third to win N400,000.

In the female category, 16-year-old Mary Bulus Jah won the star prize of N1.2 million after clocking 1:18:54 secs.

Chigozirim Esther from Imo State, who returned in 1:29:25 secs, won the second prize of N700,000, while Agofore Charity, winner of the 2024 and 2025 editions, finished third in 1:19:17.8 secs to win N400,000.

Other athletes who participated in both male and female categories got N50,000 each for their efforts.

Speaking with journalists after the race, the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. John Utsu, described the 2026 edition as the biggest yet.

He disclosed that close to 2,000 athletes registered with about 800 screened, surpassing previous editions.

Utsu said the growth reflects the rising credibility of the marathon, with athletes coming from across Nigeria, and strong support from sponsors and vendors.

Describing the race as nostalgic and expressing satisfaction with the outing, the MD said planning for a bigger edition next year will commence immediately.

On the Obudu Mountain Race, the Tourism Bureau MD said the Bureau is targeting November 2027 for its revival, noting that one year is enough to put it back on the calendar.