RismadarVoice Reporters
November 14, 2026
Kenyan athlete Timothy Kibii has emerged as the winner of the men’s category at the 2026 Port Harcourt International Marathon, held on Saturday in Rivers State.
Kibii claimed the $5,000 top prize at the fourth edition of the competition, tagged The Green Race, which attracted approximately 3,000 participants from Nigeria and other countries.
The 21-kilometre race commenced at the Port Harcourt Polo Club in the Government Reserved Area, passed through several major streets and ended at the same venue.
Speaking after his victory, Kibii expressed satisfaction with his performance, explaining that he had entered the competition hoping to finish among the top three runners.
The Kenyan athlete described the course as generally suitable for competitive running but identified the hot weather as a challenge compared with the cooler, high-altitude conditions in which he trains.
The event also featured other runners competing for prizes and recognition in the international sporting competition.
Flagging off the race, the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, described the event as an opportunity to identify sporting talent and promote the economic potential of Rivers State.
Ihunda said the participation of athletes and visitors from outside the state could support local businesses, particularly hotels, transportation providers and other hospitality services.
He also expressed the council’s willingness to support future editions of the competition.
The convener of the Port Harcourt International Marathon, Goodluck Azunwena, said the initiative was designed to improve the city’s international visibility and establish Port Harcourt as a destination for major sporting events.
According to him, the organisers also intend to develop local distance runners who could compete at national and international levels.
Azunwena commended the Rivers State Government and supporting organisations for their contributions to the event.
The competition formed part of efforts to encourage physical fitness, sports development and tourism in the Rivers State capital.
Organisers also provided prizes for other leading finishers in recognition of their performances.
The event brought together professional athletes, recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts, highlighting growing interest in organised road-running competitions in Nigeria.
