Kenya sweeps Abuja City Half Marathon as Namutala, Jepkemoi triumph
Kenya once again underlined its dominance in long distance running as Kephar Namutala and Mercy Jepkemoi emerged winners of the 2025 Abuja City Half Marathon, leading a clean sweep in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Namutala claimed victory in the men’s race with a time of 1:05:14:45, earning the top prize of $8,000, while compatriot Edwin Kipyago finished second in 1:05:39:73 to pocket $6,000. Ezekiel Chepkoromi completed the Kenyan podium sweep in 1:06:05:09, taking home $5,000.
Nigeria’s Adamu Shehu delivered the best local performance, finishing fourth overall in 1:08:25:49 and earning a combined reward of ₦2 million and $4,000.
Fellow Nigerian Auta Monday placed eighth in 1:09:45:96, while Friday Elisha was third among Nigerian runners with 1:10:30:52.
In the women’s race, Mercy Jepkemoi stormed to victory in 1:14:53:23, while Nigeria celebrated a historic double podium finish.
Shambor Blessing secured second place in 1:16:28:69, and Akusho Lydia followed closely in third with 1:16:34:67, marking a breakthrough moment for Nigerian women in international road racing.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed the organisers, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, for their ‘premium organisation’ and stressed that such events could give Nigeria a comparative advantage in road racing.
