SAN FRANCISCO, October 27, (THEWILL) – Nigerian long-distance runner, Emmanuel Gyang, has made public his desire to maintain the Plateau State domination of marathon races ahead of the forthcoming Kaduna half-marathon.
Gyang, who is one of the leading lights in long distance races in Nigeria, has amassed a good many laurels at local competitions that this is not a false hope for the athlete. He is aiming outrun any and all renowned athletes in Africa who will compete in the half-marathon.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the runner made it clear that he was seriously preparing for the race billed for Saturday, November 21.
“I am coming out in grand style by ensuring I maintain my medals haul. I want Plateau to top the medals list and I want to set a new record.
“I have been undergoing training since September, but around October, I got a knee injury which affected me for some time.
“Right now, I am back on the field and fit for training and I am hoping to compete at the Kaduna half-marathon race,” the 27-year-old athlete said.
The Plateau State indigene also expressed his desire to feature in a race in Asaba between Tuesday and Wednesday if the State government agreed to lift the curfew imposed on the state in the wake of the recent spate of violence and destruction on Monday.
The Asaba race was organised by the Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa to assist in empowering athletes financially. The governor made this known when making the event public.
“The Athletics Federation of Nigeria did not set up any competition after the COVID-19 surge. Delta State governor is the one setting up this competition to encourage athletes and to help facilitate the athletes’ upkeep.
“By the end of the competition, each athlete will receive N30,000. I will be glad to receive such stipend,” he said.
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