Mr. Glad Ali Gashi, a 66-year-old retired civil servant, stole the spotlight on Friday after successfully completing the 21-kilometre “Peace and Unity” Marathon Race in Abuja.
Organized by the Apo Progressive Foundation (APF), a non-governmental organization, the second edition of the marathon was held to celebrate Democracy Day 2026 and promote national unity.
Gashi, an indigene of Adamawa who retired from the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, finished 21st out of numerous participants.
He told reporters that his passion for long-distance running started in 1980 during secondary school. He explained that his routine running became well-known among Abuja residents during his active service years, when he would run from Nyanya to Area 1 and back before reporting to work.
“People living at Old Karu and Nyanya got used to me. One person told me that when he saw me at the old CBN, he knew he was early for work, but when he met me at AYA, he knew he was late because I maintained the same pace,” Gashi recounted.
Despite his age, the septuagenarian boasted good health, attributing his agility and strength to decades of consistent cardiovascular exercise. He noted that he has never been diagnosed with any illness, which gave him confidence to compete with younger athletes in the 21 km race.
“I have never been diagnosed with any sickness, and that’s why I participated in the race. Although I didn’t win, finishing 21st encourages me and my age-mates to stay active,” he said.
Gashi, who has represented Nigeria in veteran international races in Kenya and Ethiopia, urged the government and senior citizens to prioritize athletics.
“My message is that exercise prolongs life, sharpens the brain, and keeps you alert. The federal government should support athletic activities for both youth and the elderly,” he stated.
At the event, APF Chairman Mr. Faleye Adebowale said the marathon, themed “Let’s Defeat Insecurity,” aimed to encourage citizens, artisans, businessmen, and youths to partner with security agencies through community solidarity.
“We dedicate this marathon to June 12. Insecurity challenges are what we face, and peace within ourselves is the first step to defeating them,” Adebowale said.
APF Secretary Mr. Victor Chollom emphasized that meaningful development depends on peace.
“You can’t invest in communities where there’s fear or violence. Peace is essential for democracy to thrive. Youths, who make up about 70% of Nigeria’s population, must be advocates for peace,” he noted.
Mr. Mukhtar Akoshile, Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), urged youths to embrace patriotism and dialogue instead of violent protests.
“Dialogue yields results; protests do not. Engaging with leaders helps shape development. Sports unite us globally,” Akoshile said.
The CEO of Brimax Construction, Mr. Ibrahim Zakari, called on residents to look beyond tribal and religious differences and discard divisive rumors.
The event concluded with medals and cash prizes for winners in both male and female categories.
In the male category, Iliya Raymond finished first with a record time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds, earning N350,000. Rothak Sunday was second in 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 17 seconds, winning N250,000, while Boyi Gyang finished third in 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 26 seconds, receiving N150,000.
In the female category, Vivian Obadiah won with a time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 24 seconds. Patience Datyop and Teyei Davou Mwantiyi, both from Plateau State, finished second and third respectively, earning the same cash rewards as their male counterparts.
