Opobo (Rivers) – Musa Sati and Hope Mbeabuari have emerged winners of the eighth edition of the one-day Opobo Marathon, which featured more than 600 amateur athletes from across the country.
The Project Lead of the competition, Mr Henry Cookey, announced the winners at the end of the championship held in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers on Tuesday.
Sati won the top prize of N500,000 in the male category, while Azubuike Chimaobi secured the second place with a prize of N250,000, as Barinor Wiibee finished third, earning N200,000.
In the female category, Mbeabuari claimed the star prize of N500,000; Blessing Ghambor came second with N250,000, and Akpukudu Kevin placed third, receiving N200,000.
Prizes were also awarded in the indigenous and teenage categories.
Reacting to his victory, Sati expressed surprise at winning the marathon, noting that the course was challenging and the competition also had more experienced runners.
He commended the organisers for a well-coordinated event and praised the warm reception and hospitality of the people of Opobo.
Cookey told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event that the marathon is an annual competition featuring amateur athletes nationwide.
According to him, the 2026 edition is to honour the late traditional ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandison Jaja.
“This year’s competition is highly symbolic, as it recognises the commitment of our late traditional ruler, Jaja, whose reign promoted unity and progress in the kingdom,” he said.
Cookey also announced plans to expand the marathon to accommodate more athletes, with focus on sports tourism, youth empowerment and community development.
He commended the event’s sponsors and supporters for their contributions to the success and growth of the championship.
Earlier, the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Mr James James, lauded the organisers for sustaining the marathon over the years.
He pledged that the council would gazette the event as an official annual sporting activity of the local government.
While declaring the competition open, Prof. Valentine Omubo-Pepple, former Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, noted the impact of the marathon on talent discovery in Nigeria.
He highlighted its contributions to youth development and community engagement.
He said, “it is important for both government and the private sector to continue supporting sport initiatives such as the Opobo Marathon, which promotes social and economic development.” (NAN)
