Iliya Raymond has emerged winner of the 4rd edition Calabar Marathon. The 19-year-old runner from Plateau State ran the 24-kilometre race in 1:06:31.2 sec to win the 1.2 million naira star prize for his effort.

In the competition held in Calabar Saturday, another Plateau State runner, Badung Emmanuel Davon 20, who clocked 1: 28: 07:8 seconds while Aliya Raymond also who returned in 1:09:01.28, won the second and third prizes of N700,000 and N400,000 each.

In the female category, 16- year old Plateau State born Mary Bulus Jah who clocked 1:18:54 sec won the star prize of N1.2million, Chigozirim Esther of Imo State who returned in 1:29:25 sec won the second prize of N700,000 while Agofore Charity, who won the star prize of N500,000 in the 2024 and 2025 editions, emerged third after returning in 1:19:17.8 secs win the third prize of N400,0000 naira,

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

In the female category, 16- year old Plateau State born Mary Bulus Jah who clocked 1:18:54 sec won the star prize of N1.2million, Chigozirim Esther of Imo State who returned in 1:29:25 sec won the second prize of N700,000 while Agofore Charity, who won the star prize of N500,000 in the 2024 and 2025 editions, emerged third after returning in 1:19:17.8 secs win the third prize of N400,0000 naira, Other athletes who took part in the race got N50,000 each for their efforts

Speaking with journalists in the event with the theme “Run for conscience against poverty”, the Managing Director of Cross River Tourism Bureau, Mr John Atsu said this year’s Calabar Marathon is the biggest yet, with close to 2,000 registrations and about 800 athletes screened — surpassing previous editions.

He said the growth reflects rising credibility, with athletes coming from across Nigeria, including Plateau, plus strong energy from sponsors and vendors.

Describing the race as nostalgic since he started the first edition in his previous stint as MD, he expressed satisfaction but said planning for a bigger next edition will start immediately.

On the Obudu Mountain Race, he said the Bureau targets November 2027 for its revival, saying one year is enough time to put it back on the calendar.