Instead of being jittery about the world-class runners coming to Abuja for the marathon, Nigerian elite runners are excited and ready for the challenge.
Nigeria's top elite runners have stepped up their preparations for the maiden Abuja International Marathon billed to take place in the Federal Capital Territory on 17 December 2022.
The organizers of the Abuja International Marathon have already promised an elite cast of runners with some of the world's top runners from Kenya and Ethiopia already confirmed for the race.
AIM organisers are determined to achieve their aim of becoming the first race in Nigeria to have an elite men's field that will return a sub 2:10 minutes.
Instead of being jittery about the world-class runners that will be in Abuja for the marathon, Nigerian elite runners are excited and ready for the challenge.
Leading the line of Nigerian runners hoping to make a mark at the Abuja race is the duo of Emmanuel Gyang and Deborah Pam, who have both won several accolades in the past years.
In a chat with the Abuja International Marathon Media team, Gyan particularly expressed delight that he will rub shoulders with some of the best runners across the world in a few months' time.
According to Gyang, his preparations have been going on well and his major mission in the December race is to lower his Personal Best time-2hrs 25 minutes.
"Of course, I am delighted we are having an international race of this magnitude in Abuja, unlike other races that I have to embark on long journeys, this is very close to my base in Jos and it should have a positive effect on my performance," Gyang declared.
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"I am aware there will be runners from across the world in Abuja, especially the Kenyans and Ethiopians, what I can say is that we would give them a good challenge, beyond anything else, my target is to lower my PB to at least 2hrs.18mins thereabout," he added.
Gyang is no stranger to road races in Abuja, having won back-to-back editions of the Para Military half marathon races in 2017 and 2018.
The petite runner has also recorded successes at the ECOWAS half marathon and the Anti Corruption races, among others.
Just like Gyang, Pam has described the Abuja International Marathon as her biggest race for 2022, and she is keen to finish the year on a high.
"Since my childbirth, I have been coming back to run gradually. Abuja International Marathon is one of my top targets for the year and I am confident I will do well by God's grace," Pam assured.
