By PHILOMINA ATTAH

Mr Glad Ali Gashi, a 66-year-old retired civil servant on Friday stole the spotlight after successfully completing the 21-kilometre “Peace and Unity” Marathon Race in Abuja.

The marathon, which was the second edition, was organised by the Apo Progressive Foundation (APF), a non-governmental organisation, to celebrate the 2026 Democracy Day and foster national unity.

Gashi, an indigene of Adamawa, who retired from the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, finished in the 21st position out of numerous participants.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that his passion for long-distance running began in 1980 during his secondary school days.

He explained that his routine running became a staple for Abuja residents during his active service years, when he would run from Nyanya to Area 1 and back before getting ready to report to the office.

“People living at Old Karu and Nyanya got used to me.

“One person told me that anytime he happens to see me at the old CBN, he knows that he is early to work, but when he meets me at AYA, he knows that he is late because I used to maintain the same pace,” Gashi recounted.

Despite his advanced age, the sexagenarian boasted a clean bill of health, attributing his agility and physical strength to decades of consistent cardiovascular exercise.

He noted that he has never been diagnosed with any underlying illness, which gave him the confidence to contend with younger athletes in the rigorous 21km race.

“I have never been diagnosed with any sickness and that is why I participated in the 21km race.

“Although, I didn’t win, coming in the 21st position is an encouragement to me and my age-mates to imbibe the habit of exercising to keep fit,” he said.

Gashi, who had represented the country in international veteran races in Kenya and Ethiopia, urged the government and aging citizens to prioritise athletics.

He stated: “My message to people like me is that this exercise prolongs one’s age, sharpens the brain, and keeps you smart.

“The federal government should try and encourage these athletic games for both the upcoming youth and the elderly ones.”

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of APF, Mr Faleye Adebowale, said the marathon, themed “Let’s Defeat Insecurity,” was designed to encourage citizens, artisans, businessmen, and youths to partner with security agencies through community solidarity.

“We dedicate this Peace and Unity Marathon to June 12.

“We see what we are battling with insecurity challenges, and that is why we came together to pull this through.

“By defeating insecurity, we must start by having peace within ourselves,” Adebowale said.

Similarly, the Secretary of APF, Mr Victor Chollom, stated that meaningful physical and economic development could not occur in any community without relative peace.

“People cannot invest their money where there is fear, terrorism, or crisis. You need relative peace to execute the dividends of democracy for your people.

“Youths, who make up about 70 per cent of our national population, must be advocates for peace,” Chollom noted.

In his remarks, Mr Mukhtar Akoshile, Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Deputy Director of the City Boy Movement (FCT), urged Nigerian youths to embrace patriotism and choose dialogue over violent protests.

“Dialogue gives results; protest does not. When you sit down with leaders as young people, you can set your minds and contribute to the development of the country.

“Sports is one of the key things that unites everyone globally,” Akoshile said.

Also speaking on community peace, the CEO of Brimax Construction, Mr Ibrahim Zakari, urged residents to look past tribal and religious differences and discard divisive rumours.

NAN report that the event concluded with the presentation of medals and cash prizes to the winners in both male and female categories.

In the male category, Iliya Raymond clinched the first position with record time of one hour, five minutes, and six seconds, walking away with N350,000.

Rothak Sunday came second in one hour, five minutes, and 17 seconds, winning N250,000, while Boyi Gyang secured the third position in one hour, five minutes, and 26 seconds, receiving N150,000.

In the female category, Vivian Obadiah took the first position after running for one hour, 18 minutes, and 24 seconds.

Patience Datyop and Teyei Davou Mwantiyi, both from Plateau State, secured the second and third positions respectively, receiving the same cash rewards as their male counterparts. (NAN)

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