John Nyok became the first winner of men’s twelve-kilometre independence marathon and was awarded two thousand South Sudanese Pounds.
Felisa Faustino won women’s 12-kilometre race and was also awarded the same amount of the first winners, Bakhita Radio reported.
David Nkozi won men’s six-kilometre marathon while Zambora Helsman won women’s six-kilometre running and both were awarded 1,500 Pounds each.
Matthew Gido won children’s first six-kilometre race and was awarded a bicycle, the fourth to the tenth winners were also given gifts.
Gemtel Executive Director Mohammed Gadafi encouraged the athletes to continue participating in sport activities in preparation for international competitions.
He said Gemtel would support such races in the country to identify best runners as South Sudanese have potential to compete with international athletes.
National Youths and Sports Ministry Undersecretary Peter Baptist congratulated Gemtel Company for organizing the event, urging it to continue promoting sports.
He said the government is putting sport as its top priority to engage citizens practice their talents.
Gemtel Company organized the independence marathon under the theme: ”South Sudan run for peace, run for fun”.
Volleyball competition will take place next Saturday between Western and Central Equatoria States.