Kenyans, Ethiopians Rule Enugu Marathon as Nigerians Dominate 10km Race
…Mbah pledges to make Enugu Africa’s sporting capital
Kenyans and Ethiopians dominated the 42km category of the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon, which ended in grand style on Saturday, while Nigerian athletes asserted their dominance in the 10km race.
The 42km event, which attracted professional athletes from across the world, was flagged off at 6:30am in front of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, formerly Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu.
The 10km race, which recorded a larger participation by Nigerian athletes, was flagged off at 8:30am on Mgbemena Street by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerged winner of the men’s 42km race, crossing the finish line in 2:23:38 to claim the $15,000 top 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 pocket $5,000.
The five best-performing Nigerian male athletes in the 42km category were also rewarded, with Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerging as 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, respectively, receiving N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000.
In the women’s 42km category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu claimed the top prize after finishing in 2:48:40, earning $15,000.
Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, came second in 3:03:18 to win $10,000, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet finished third in 3:06:32 and received $5,000.
The top five Nigerian female finishers — Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi — were rewarded with N3 million, N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000, respectively.
Meanwhile, Nigerian athletes, particularly those from Plateau State, took centre stage in the men’s 10km category, sweeping the top three positions.
Gang James Boyi emerged winner with a prize of N1 million, followed by Davwi Gyang, who received N750,000, and Pam Joshua, who took home N500,000.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage placed fourth and fifth, respectively, winning N300,000 and N200,000.
The women’s 10km category also produced an all-Nigerian podium, with Patience Daylop, Obadih Vivian, Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness and Nvou Gyang Tanko finishing first to fifth, respectively.
They received the same prize amounts as their male counterparts.
Presenting the prizes, Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, congratulated the winners and all participants, saying the marathon underscored his administration’s commitment to attracting investment, creating opportunities for young people and unlocking the state’s tourism potential.
Mbah, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said the administration remained determined to position Enugu as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
He added that his administration would continue working towards making Enugu Africa’s sporting capital, while improving the marathon’s standards in subsequent editions.
The governor urged participants to return for future editions and encourage others to take part, assuring them that the competition would continue to grow in quality and international appeal.
He also commended government officials, sponsors and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the event a success.
The marathon attracted several prominent figures in athletics and sports administration, including 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, visiting athletes praised the organisation of the event, as well as Enugu’s infrastructure, greenery and security.
They expressed optimism about returning for the 2027 edition, saying the marathon had demonstrated significant potential to become one of Africa’s leading international road races.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
