…Nigerians shine in 10km category
…Mbah vows to make Enugu Africa’s sporting capital
Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the 42km category of the second Enugu City International Marathon, as the event ended in grand style on Saturday.
The competition also saw Nigerian athletes excel in the 10km category, with athletes from Plateau State claiming the top three positions in the men’s race.
The 42km race, which featured professional athletes from different parts of the world, was flagged off at 6:30am in front of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, formerly GTC, Enugu.
The 10km race, which had greater participation from Nigerian athletes, was flagged off by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at Mgbemena Street at 8:30am.
In the men’s 42km category, Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerged winner in 2:23:38 to claim the $15,000 prize.
Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39 and received $10,000, while his compatriot, Shiferaw Daltiemayu, placed third in 2:23:41 to win $5,000.
The five best-performing Nigerian men in the 42km category also received cash prizes.
Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerged the best Nigerian after completing the race in 2:26:00 to win N3 million.
Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday finished second, third, fourth and fifth among the Nigerian men, winning N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000, respectively.
In the women’s 42km category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu emerged winner in 2:48:40 to claim $15,000.
Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in 3:03:18 and won $10,000, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet placed third in 3:06:32 to take home $5,000.
The top five Nigerian women were Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi, who received N3 million, N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000, respectively.
In the men’s 10km category, Plateau State athletes dominated the podium, with Gang James Boyi, Davwi Gyang and Pam Joshua finishing first, second and third, respectively.
Boyi won N1 million, Gyang received N750,000, while Joshua took home N500,000.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage placed fourth and fifth, winning N300,000 and N200,000, respectively.
In the women’s 10km category, Patience Daylop, Obadih Vivian, Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness and Nvou Gyang Tanko finished first to fifth, respectively, and received the same prize amounts as their male counterparts.
Presenting the prizes, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, congratulated the winners and participants, saying the marathon demonstrated his administration’s commitment to attracting businesses, creating opportunities for young people and expanding the state’s tourism potential.
Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said his administration was determined to position Enugu as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, as well as make the state Africa’s sporting capital.
He urged participants to return for subsequent editions and encourage others to participate, assuring them that the competition would continue to improve in standard.
The governor also commended state officials, sponsors and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the marathon.
The event was attended by the President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, representing World Athletics; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel; President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa; former Nigeria Olympic Team Captain, Yusuf Ali; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the consulting partner to the marathon, Mrs Yetunde Olopade.
Meanwhile, several visiting athletes praised the organisation of the event and the beauty of Enugu, citing its infrastructure, greenery and security.
They expressed optimism about returning for the 2027 edition.
The post Kenyans, Ethiopians dominate Enugu City Marathon appeared first on Vanguard News.