Edwin Kipyego, a Kenyan, and Zenebe Aberu, an Ethiopian, have emerged winners of the men’s and women’s 42km elite races, respectively, at the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday.
The marathon was organized by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) providing technical support.
For the men’s 42 km elite race, Edwin Kipyego crossed the finish line in 2hours, 20 minutes, 38 seconds and claimed the $15,000 prize, gold medal, and title of Enugu City International Marathon champion.
While Habtamu Girma, an Ethiopian, crossed the finish line at 2:23:39, Shiferaw Daltiemayu took the third position in 2:23:41.
The race was flagged off at 6:30 am at Shoprite on Abakaliki Road by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, with the route passing through Independence Layout, Okpara Avenue, and Nike Lake Road before finishing at Mike Okpara Square.
The winner, Kipyego, described the course as challenging but praised the support of spectators along the route.
“This was a tough but beautiful course. The hills tested us, but the people of Enugu carried us with their cheers. I will definitely return next year,” he said.
For the 10km event, Nigerian runners Gang James Boyi and Obadiah Vivian won the men’s and women’s races, respectively.
Boyi finished the race at 29 minutes 59 seconds to secure the ₦3 million first prize, while Vivian made it in 35 minutes 13 seconds.
Davwi Gyang and Mwantiyi Teyei finished second in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, while Pam Joshua and Danjuma Agnes took third positions.
The 10km race, which was flagged off at 8:30 am at Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road, was designed to promote mass participation and identify emerging road-running talents.
Presenting prizes to the winners, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated all the athletes for participating in the competition.
Ossai said the marathon is a demonstration of Enugu State Government’s diversification of opportunities in the state, creating opportunities for young people and expanding the state’s tourism potential.
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