With a record of 28 minutes and 33 seconds, Kenyan Peter Nwaniki won the Lotus Bank 10km Abeokuta marathon on Saturday morning.
The event which was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited to honour the 80th birthday of Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba land had 2,000 runners, including local and international competitors, who raced for the $5,000 cash prize.
The race filled with athletes from China, Nigeria, Eithopia and Kenya began at the intersection of Iyana Oloke, went via Onikobolo, Panseke, Omida, Isle Igbein, Sapon, Ijemo, Itoko, Saje, Kugba, and ultimately ended at the Ake Palace ground.
Mwaniki won the $5,000 first-winner prize money, while Kennedy Kipyeko also from Kenya, won the $3,000 first runner-up prize money, and Abraham Akobeche from Kenya, came third with $1,000.
Fourth place went to Charity Agofure, a Kenyan, and fifth place went to 28-year-old Francis James from Nigeria.
Mwaniki, winner of the race, claimed that the favourable roads had aided in his triumph.
“I am very happy with my performance today, the roads were very good, and it helped me to run my best time. I will like to come here again for another marathon race,” he said.
Salako-Oyedele, the state’s deputy governor, who was present at the event, congratulated all of the competitors and promised that the state government will continue to make significant investments in the growth of sports.
“ It’s an opportunity for people to start to look for a career in sport. His excellency is committed to youth development.
” As we look forward to 2024, that Ogun state will be hosting the National Sport Festival, we also call upon youths to support our local organizing committee to participate and also be spectators,” she added.
