Yomi Omogbeja (12/11/2005)

Nigerian athletes are shaping up to challenge top foreign runners for next weekend's 4th MTN Lagos International Half Marathon.

Winners from the regional finals held in the past few months are optimistic of breaking the domination of the Kenyan runners who have won all previous races since 2002, and dethroning the East Africans this time around.

Enugu region winner, Stanley Ojobasi said: " The Kenyans are human beings like us and I’m sure one day we’ll start beating them.

"It might not be this year but it will happen soon and I want to be the one to do it. Anyway, if I can’t beat the Kenyans, returning as the first Nigerian at the finish line is my other target and I’m really working towards that. I’m in top shape for the Lagos race.

Africa's communications giant, MTN is sponsoring the event which has now become an annual feature in the African most populous city, starting from Outer Marina on the Lagos Island to the National Stadium on the mainland.

Now in it's fourth year, the MTN Lagos International Half Marathon is better organised than ever. A record number 40,000 athletes, corporate and fun runners are expected to participate in the 21.7 kilometres race on November 19.

Equal treatment

Organisers have promised to make the event hitch-free, what have not been possible during the four previous regional marathon races earlier in the year.

MTN Half Marathon General Manager Mr Aderemi Akinwale said all top local runners who qualified from the regional marathons would be treated the same as the invited international athletes to boost their confidence.

"Our concept of the regional marathons is actually to help groom this reservoir of talents within Nigeria so that in the not-too-distant future they may be able to compete internationally," Akinwale said.

Leading the home charge will be last year emerging stars, Kia car winner Wilson Eku of Bauchi State (1st Nigerian, 9th overall in 1:10:08) and Danjuma Gyang of Plateau state and Danjuma Kopuddi, 19, who won in Kaduna region.

Plateau State Janet Dung leads the local women challenge.

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