Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the 42-kilometre race at the Enugu City International Marathon, winning the top prizes as the inaugural event ended on a high note.
The competition also provided a platform for Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, to reaffirm his administration’s ambition to restore the state’s sporting prominence and position it as Africa’s sporting capital.
The 42km professional race was flagged off at 6:30am in front of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training College, GTC, Enugu, while the 10km race, which featured a larger number of Nigerian athletes, began at 8:30am at Mgbemena Street.
Edwin Kipyogo of Kenya emerged victorious in the men’s 42km category after completing the race in two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds.
His victory earned him the top prize of $15,000.
Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished just one second behind Kipyogo in 2:23:39 to claim second place and a $10,000 prize.
Another Ethiopian, Shiferaw Daltiemayu, completed the podium after recording a time of 2:23:41. He received $5,000 for finishing third.
The leading five Nigerian male athletes in the 42km category also received cash prizes.
Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerged as the best Nigerian after finishing the race in 2:26:00, earning N3 million.
Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday finished second, third, fourth and fifth among the Nigerian men and received N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000 respectively.
Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu claimed the women’s 42km title after completing the race in two hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds.
She collected the $15,000 first-place prize.
Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in 3:03:18 to win $10,000, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet placed third in 3:06:32 and received $5,000.
The top five Nigerian women also received prizes equivalent to those awarded to the leading Nigerian men.
Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi emerged as the first through fifth-best Nigerian female athletes respectively.
The 10km men’s category was dominated by athletes from Plateau State.
Gang James Boyi emerged winner and received N1 million, while Davwi Gyang finished second and won N750,000.
Pam Joshua came third and received N500,000.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage completed the top five and received 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, with the same prize structure as the men.
Presenting prizes to the winners, Governor Mbah congratulated the athletes and participants, describing the marathon as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to attracting businesses, creating opportunities for young people and expanding Enugu’s tourism potential.
Mbah, who was represented at the event by Deputy Governor Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, said his administration was determined to transform Enugu into a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living.
He also reiterated his ambition to make Enugu State Africa’s sporting capital.
The governor encouraged the athletes to return for subsequent editions and urged them to invite friends and colleagues to participate, promising that the event would continue to improve in standards.
He also commended state officials, sponsors and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the marathon successful.
The marathon attracted prominent sports personalities, 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 MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade.
Nilayo Sports Management Limited served as the consulting partner for the Enugu City International Marathon.
Several visiting athletes also praised the organisation of the event and spoke positively about Enugu.
They highlighted the state’s infrastructure, green environment and security, while expressing interest in returning for the 2027 edition.
The successful staging of the marathon represents another step in Enugu’s efforts to strengthen its sports and tourism profile and attract international attention to the state.
