A staff of the Bursary, Final Accounts Unit of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mr. Isa Jibrin, has been pencilled among the top finishers at the just concluded Abuja City International Half Marathon championship sponsored by the prestigious Premium Trust Bank.

The 21-kilometres marathon race with starting point from the Abuja City Gate and finishing at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja, pencilled Jibrin with a massive personal best as one of the 3rd 10 bronze medallist.

The half marathon, held on April 20, 2024, was the maiden international half marathon sponsored by Premium Trust Bank and had about 4,000 national and international participants (athletes) cutting across Australia, Canadian, Ghanaians.

Speaking on what inspired him, Jibrin, in a chat with NOUN News  correspondent, said  “I want my name to be etched in the history of Premium Trust Bank Marathon race since it Is their maiden sponsorship as it concerns athletics.  I want to be in the limelight; in the history. That is my main inspiration.”

Asked how he was able to make it to the finalists,  he narrated that“after I got the form, I was actually determined, I started rehearsals on my own 5-km race to keep fit before the time or date as to be balanced etc. Though I have the endurance but being stable and fit was my main goal before the set date.”

The elated bronze medallist, while expressing his gratitude to God, said “I am very happy, because initially I thought I will not make it because of my consistent knee dislocation, but I came, I saw and I conquered. I have registered another medal in my gallery.”

On the thorny road to the success, he said, “One of the challenges I encountered was that instead of normal water they gave us fizzy drinks; instead of water to pour on our heads. I will sincerely want the organisers to look into it and address this anomaly before the next half marathon.

“My honest advice to NOUN staff is that they should come on board, more people should come in to the tournament, because next year will be bigger.

“The good side of it is that group participation attracts higher monetary award. So I implore our staff to come out en mass, ‘together we can,’” he added.

Jibrin also pleaded the with the management of the university to look at the area of sponsoring the event next year as this can double up the advocacy drive of the institution.

The prestigious Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon brought together elite athletes from around the world to compete for recognition and excellence.

The bank’s sponsorship of the event underscored its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and the spirit of healthy competition, which is crucial for societal well-being