Kenyan long-distance runner Timothy Kibii has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the Port Harcourt International Marathon, tagged “The Green Race”, held in Rivers State on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Kibii defeated about 3,000 athletes from Nigeria and other countries to claim victory in the men’s category of the 21-kilometre race.

The competition began and ended at the Polo Club in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt, taking participants through several roads and neighbourhoods in the Rivers State capital.

Speaking after the race, Kibii expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the event, describing the course as good, although he noted that the hot weather presented a challenge compared with the high-altitude conditions under which he trains in Kenya.

He said he had travelled to Port Harcourt hoping to finish among the top three but was delighted to emerge as the overall winner.

The Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, who flagged off the race, said the event would help showcase sporting talents and promote tourism in Rivers State.

Ihunda said the participation of athletes from outside the state and Nigeria could generate economic benefits for the city, particularly for hotels and other hospitality businesses.

The convener of the marathon, Goodluck Azunwena, said the event was part of efforts to position Port Harcourt as an international sporting destination.

He explained that the “Green Race” theme reflected the organisers’ ambition to connect sports with environmental awareness and promote the city to a wider international audience.

Azunwena also said the long-term vision was to develop local athletes and create opportunities for runners from Port Harcourt to compete internationally.

The organisers announced consolation prizes for athletes who finished up to seventh position.

National Dailt gathered that the winner’s prize as $5,000 in its headline and introductory account, although the article’s closing paragraph contains an unclear description of the prize. The exact award therefore requires confirmation from the organisers.

The marathon is among the events being used to promote sports participation, healthy living and tourism in Port Harcourt.