Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the 42-kilometre elite category of the second Enugu City International Marathon, while Nigerian runners took centre stage in the 10km event as the competition ended in grand style in Enugu.
The marathon, which attracted professional athletes from different parts of the world, also saw Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirm his administration’s ambition to restore the state’s sporting heritage and position it as the sporting capital of Africa.
The 42km race was flagged off at 6:30am in front of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training 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 2:23:38 to claim the $15,000 first prize.
Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished just one second behind in 2:23:39 to take the $10,000 second prize, while his compatriot, Shiferaw Daltiemayu, placed third in 2:23:41 and received $5,000.
The best five Nigerian male athletes in the 42km race were also rewarded, with Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerging the leading Nigerian after clocking 2:26:00 to win ₦3 million.
Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday finished second, third, fourth and fifth among the Nigerian men and received ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.
In the women’s 42km category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu emerged champion in 2:48:40 to claim $15,000.
Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in 3:03:18 and received $10,000, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet placed third in 3:06:32 to win $5,000.
The top five Nigerian women in the 42km event were Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi, who received ₦3 million, ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.
Nigerian athletes dominated the 10km category, with Plateau State runners sweeping the top three positions in the men’s event.
Gang James Boyi won the race and received ₦1 million, while Davwi Gyang and Pam Joshua placed second and third to take home ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage finished fourth and fifth respectively and received ₦300,000 and ₦200,000.
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 corresponding prizes.
Presenting the prizes to the winners, Governor Mbah, who was represented by Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated the athletes and described the marathon as another demonstration of his administration’s determination to attract investment, create opportunities for young people and unlock Enugu’s tourism potential.
Mbah said his administration was determined to make Enugu not only a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, but also Africa’s sporting capital.
He urged the athletes to return for subsequent editions of the marathon and encourage their friends and colleagues to participate, assuring them that the event would continue to improve in quality and standards.
The governor also commended government officials, sponsors and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the competition.
The event attracted 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 for the marathon, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade.
Several visiting athletes also praised the organisation of the event, citing Enugu’s infrastructure, green environment and security as some of the features that impressed them.
They expressed interest in returning for the 2027 edition, as the Enugu City International Marathon continues to gain international visibility.
