President Sirleaf in the race and foreign residents at the marathon
More than 1,500 Liberians and foreign residents participated in last Sunday’s 2015 Liberia Marathon.
With a team based on Liberia’s triumph over adversity in the wake of the successful victory over the Ebola Virus Disease, the 21Km men’s race was clinched by Sierra Leonean national Osman Challey.
He was followed closely by his fellow compatriot Idrissa Kargbo and Liberian Prince Weah came third.
In the 10Km men’s race, another Sierra Leonean national Mustapha Kamara came first and Liberians Amos Sumo and Augustine Momolu came second and third respectively.
However, in the 21Km female category, promising Liberians Lucy Massaquoi and Joy Kollie managed second and third places respectively but with a Sierra Leonean national identified as Asatu coming first place.
In the 10Km female race, Jemu Zarzar, who won the 2013 edition swept to her second victory. The marathon was not held in 2014 due to the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease.
In the 10Km wheelchair race, 2013 winner, Emmanuel Nyumah took first place, followed by Jerome Tokpah and Lawrence Dolekeh.
Meanwhile cash prizes were not awarded to the winners and Liberia Marathon Trust officials indicated that it would be done at a later date.
Other notable Liberians who participated in the marathon were several government officials, including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and human rights lawyer Tiawon Gongloe.
Several participants interviewed by the Daily Observer commended the organizers for hosting the marathon that helped them to join others to celebrate victory over Ebola as well as honoring the memory of those who perished in the disaster.
The marathon was supported by several companies, including Exxon Mobile, Cellcom GSM, RLJ Kendeja Resort, SN Brussells and the Liberia Coca Cola Company.