Gemechu Tolosa Wins 3rd Edition of PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon

Ethiopia’s Gemechu Tolosa Dana on Saturday won the highly anticipated 2026 PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon with a fascinating performance in the men’s race.

The race started opposite the Federal Fire Service on Mohammed Buhari Way and finished at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Over 5,000 runners took to the streets of Abuja to take part in this edition of the race, and it recorded more foreigners compared to the previous event, all thanks to Nilayo Sports Management for being consistent.

Gemechu emerged as winner of the 3rd edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon with a commanding performance, having finished the race in 1:01:56.

The Ethiopian long-distance runner earned $8,000 as reward for his emphatic performance.

Nigeria’s Gang James fought bravely but narrowly finished behind Gemechu in 1:01:58 to break the National Record, as he became Nigeria’s best long-distance runner and claimed $6,000 and ₦1,500,000 for finishing 1st in the local runners category.

Speaking after the race, Gang James said he was delighted to break the National Record in front of his home crowd.

“I am very happy to break the National Record. I worked so hard for this moment, and to do it here in Abuja, in front of my people, makes it even more special,” he said.

He added that competing against some of the best runners in Africa pushed him to a new level.

“Running against Gemechu and the Kenyans pushed me to give my best. I knew I had to stay with them till the end. This record is just the beginning for me,” he said.

He was followed closely by Kenya’s Lampard Kingoo in 1:01:59, Enos Kipruto in 1:02:06, and Ugandan Julius Ocheng finished in fifth place in 1:02:27.

This edition lived up to its pre-race billing as the race delivered strong performances and showcased Nigeria’s improvement in marathon racing.

Prizes ranged from $8,000 to $500, while Nigerian runners received between ₦2,000,000 and ₦50,000 in rewards.

Athletes from different countries, including about 50 elite runners from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria, took part in the competition.

It was a colourful event as athletes, guests and spectators were entertained by music from Nigerian artists before, during and after the prize presentation to the winners