By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Ethiopia’s Zenebe Aberu and Kenya’s Edwin Kipyego emerged winners of the female and male 42-kilometre categories respectively at the 2nd Enugu City International Marathon held on Saturday.
The event, organized by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, attracted more than 3,000 runners and thousands of spectators to the streets of Enugu, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) providing technical support.
Kipyego dominated the elite men’s race, crossing the finish line in 2:20:38 after making a decisive move at the 37-kilometre mark to break away from a group of four elite runners.
His victory earned him a $15,000 prize, a gold medal and the title of champion of the 2nd Enugu City International Marathon.
Habtamu Girma of Ethiopia finished second in 2:23:39, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayu placed third in 2:23:41.
The 42km race was flagged off at 6:30 a.m. at Shoprite on Abakaliki Road by Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah. The route passed through Independence Layout, Okpara Avenue and Nike Lake Road before ending at Michael Okpara Square.
Describing the course as challenging, Kipyego said the support from spectators helped propel him to victory.
“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.
In the 10km category, Nigerian athletes Gang James Boyi and Obadih Vivian thrilled home fans by winning the men’s and women’s races respectively.
Boyi clocked 29:59 to win the men’s race, while Vivian finished in 35:13.09 to claim the women’s title.
The 10km race, which was flagged off at 8:30 a.m. at Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road, attracted more than 3,000 participants and was aimed at promoting mass participation and identifying emerging road-running talents.
Boyi made his decisive move with three kilometres remaining to secure the ₦3 million first prize.
“Running and winning in my city is a dream. The organization was excellent and I’m proud to be part of history,” Vivian said.
Davwi Gyang and Mwantiyi Teyei finished second in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, while Pam Joshua and Danjuma Agnes placed third.
Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, described the marathon as a world-class event, saying its organization demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to host international-standard road races.
“Enugu has set the standard. From athlete welfare to security and crowd management, this marathon has shown that Nigeria can host international-label races,” she said.
Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, said the marathon was consistent with the state’s sports tourism vision.
“We promised a memorable marathon and we have delivered. Enugu is ready for the world. This marathon will only get bigger,” Ossai said.
He congratulated the winners, participants and sponsors for contributing to the success of the event.
The Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, commended the Local Organizing Committee, sponsors, medical teams and security agencies for ensuring a hitch-free marathon.
He disclosed that Enugu State had applied for World Athletics Road Race Label status for the 2027 edition.
The Local Organizing Committee also appreciated the official sponsors, including 7Up through Aquafina, Afia TV, Pinnacle, Power Oil and Enugu Air, for their support.
The organizers provided water stations at five-kilometre intervals, alongside medical services and entertainment at the finish point.
With the success of the second edition, organizers said preparations had commenced for a bigger 2027 edition as the Enugu City International Marathon seeks to establish itself as one of Africa’s leading destination road races.
