Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the 42-kilometre category of the second Enugu City International Marathon, while Nigerian runners made a strong showing in the 10km race as the event ended in grand style.
The marathon, which attracted professional athletes from different parts of the world, also saw Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirm his administration’s commitment to restoring the state’s sporting glory and positioning it as Africa’s sporting capital.
The 42km race was flagged off at exactly 6:30am in front of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, GTC, Enugu, while the 10km race was flagged off at 8:30am at Mgbemena Street by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
In the men’s 42km category, Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerged winner after completing the race in two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds to claim the $15,000 top prize.
Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39 to win $10,000, while his compatriot, Shiferaw Daltiemayu, placed third in 2:23:41 and received $5,000.
The five best Nigerian male athletes in the 42km race were also rewarded.
Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerged the best Nigerian after finishing in 2:26:00 to win N3 million. Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday finished second, third, fourth and fifth among Nigerian competitors, winning N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000 respectively.
In the women’s 42km category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu claimed first place with a time of 2:48:40 and received $15,000.
Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in 3:03:18 to win $10,000, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet came third in 3:06:32 and received $5,000.
The top five Nigerian women in the 42km category were Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi. They received N3 million, N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000 respectively.
Nigerian athletes dominated the 10km men’s category, with Plateau State runners taking the top three positions.
Gang James Boyi emerged winner in 1:00:00 to claim N1 million, followed by Davwi Gyang, who received N750,000, and Pam Joshua, who won N500,000.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage finished fourth and fifth respectively, receiving N300,000 and N200,000.
In the women’s 10km category, Patience Daylop, Obadih Vivian, Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness and Nvou Gyang Tanko occupied the first five positions and received N1 million, N750,000, N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
Presenting prizes to the winners, Governor Mbah, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated the athletes and other participants for contributing to the success of the event.
He said the marathon was another demonstration of the administration’s determination to attract businesses, create opportunities for young people and expand Enugu’s tourism potential.
According to him, the state government was determined to position Enugu not only as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, but also as Africa’s sporting capital.
Mbah encouraged the athletes to return for subsequent editions and urged them to invite friends and colleagues, assuring that the marathon would continue to improve in standard.
He also commended government officials, sponsors and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the competition.
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 the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, consulting partner to the marathon, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade.
Several visiting athletes also praised the organisation of the marathon, describing Enugu as a beautiful and welcoming destination.
They commended the state’s infrastructure, green environment and security, while expressing their eagerness to return for the 2027 edition.
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