Abuja: Mr. Glad Ali Gashi, a 66-year-old retired civil servant, captured attention on Friday by successfully completing the 21-kilometre ‘Peace and Unity’ Marathon Race in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the marathon, marking its second edition, was organised by the Apo Progressive Foundation (APF), a non-governmental organisation, to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day and promote national unity. Gashi, hailing from Adamawa and a retiree from the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, impressively finished 21st among numerous participants.
Gashi shared with the News Agency of Nigeria that his passion for long-distance running began in 1980 during his secondary school years. He recounted how running became a part of his routine during his active service years in Abuja, running from Nyanya to Area 1 and back before heading to work.
He recalled, “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.”
Despite his age, Gashi maintains robust health, attributing his agility to decades of consistent cardiovascular exercise. He noted that he has never been diagnosed with any illness, which gave him the confidence to compete with younger athletes in the demanding 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 agemates to imbibe the habit of exercising to keep fit,” he said.
Gashi, who has represented Nigeria in international veteran races in Kenya and Ethiopia, urged both 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, APF Chairman Mr. Faleye Adebowale noted that the marathon, themed ‘Let’s Defeat Insecurity’, aims to encourage citizens, artisans, businessmen, and youths to collaborate 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, APF Secretary Mr. Victor Chollom highlighted that meaningful physical and economic development requires 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), urged Nigerian youths to embrace patriotism and 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.
The CEO of Brimax Construction, Mr. Ibrahim Zakari, also spoke on community peace, urging residents to transcend tribal and religious differences and discard divisive rumours.
NAN reports 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 claimed the first position with a record time of one hour, five minutes, and six seconds, earning N350,000. Rothak Sunday came second, winning N250,000, while Boyi Gyang secured the third position, receiving N150,000.
In the female category, Vivian Obadiah took first place, completing the race in 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.