More than 200 runners took part in the Central Equatoria State–Israel 5K Race for Peace and Development in Juba on Sunday, an event aimed at promoting peace, youth participation and healthy living through sport.
The race was led by Israeli Ambassador to South Sudan Gershon Kedar, who joined participants alongside Central Equatoria State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Bush Buse, senior national and state government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, police representatives and youth leaders.
Organized by the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Embassy of Israel and Imagine Academy of Chukudum, the marathon brought together students, athletes and members of the public in a show of unity and community engagement.
The biggest winners of the day were athletes from Imagine Academy, a youth sports institution based in Chukudum, Budi County, whose runners dominated the Under-16 competitions.
In the girls’ Under-16 category, Imagine Academy completed a clean sweep of the podium.
Rose Nakang claimed first place after completing the 5-kilometre course in 18:01.57. Her teammate Patricia Nakwang finished second in 18:37.49, while Christine Toto secured third place with a time of 19:56.50.
The academy continued its impressive showing in the boys’ Under-16 race.
Paul Lokoro of Imagine Academy crossed the finish line first in 17:30.50, while Emmanuel Marok and Atem Manyok, both from Juba, finished second and third with times of 17:62.90 and 19:36.21, respectively.
The results highlighted the growing reputation of Imagine Academy as one of South Sudan’s emerging centres for youth athletics, with its young runners demonstrating discipline, endurance and strong competitive ability against participants from across the country.
A separate race for invited dignitaries added a light-hearted but competitive atmosphere to the event. Luka Peter won the exhibition race, finishing ahead of Ambassador Gershon Kedar and Minister Bush Buse.
Addressing participants, organizers described the marathon as more than a sporting competition, saying it was designed to strengthen friendship between South Sudan and Israel while encouraging peace, healthy lifestyles and youth empowerment through athletics.
Officials also said the partnership with Imagine Academy reflects a shared commitment to investing in young people by creating opportunities for talent identification and development, particularly for children from rural communities such as Chukudum.
As runners crossed the finish line and spectators cheered them on, the event underscored the growing role of sport as a tool for bringing communities together, inspiring young people and fostering hope for a more peaceful and united South Sudan.
