• Top three winners receive cash prizes of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively

Kenya’s Edwin Kipyego and Ethiopia’s Zenebe Aberu 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.

More than 3,000 runners took to the streets of Enugu for the event, organised by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) providing technical support.

Kipyego produced a tactical performance to win the men’s race in 2:20:38, making his decisive move at the 37km mark to break away from a leading pack of four runners.

The Kenyan crossed the finish line first to claim the $15,000 prize, gold medal and title of Enugu City International Marathon champion.

Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayu took third in 2:23:41.

The race was flagged off at 6:30am 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.

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.

Nigerian runners dominated the 10km event, with Gang James Boyi and Obadih Vivian winning the men’s and women’s races respectively.

Boyi clocked 29:59 to secure the ₦3 million first prize after making his decisive move with 3km remaining, while Vivian triumphed in 35:13.09.

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 8:30am 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 state government was committed to making the state a welcoming destination for residents, businesses, visitors and tourists.

He said the marathon was an indication of the government’s determination to position Enugu as a major destination for sports, tourism and investment.

“When I arrived, they wanted me to do a symbolic crossing of the road, but I figured it would be disrespectful to those of you that participated in the race.

“I shouldn’t take your glory by simply jogging across your line. So, for all of you that took the pains and endured the marathon, I say a very big congratulations,” he said.

The deputy governor said the state government had, in the last three years, worked to restore Enugu’s position as a pivotal destination in the Southeast and Nigeria.

He said the marathon demonstrated the government’s readiness to welcome businesses, create opportunities for young people and expand the state’s tourism potential.

Ossai said the government would continue to improve the organisation and standards of the marathon to ensure greater comfort for participants.

He urged participants to return for subsequent editions and encourage their friends and colleagues to participate.

The deputy governor also commended the sponsors and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the marathon.

Nilayo Sports Management chief executive officer Yetunde Olopade described the event as a world-class competition.

“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.

Commissioner for Sports Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu commended the Local Organising Committee, sponsors, medical teams and security agencies for ensuring a successful event.

He also disclosed that the state had applied for World Athletics Road Race Label status for the 2027 edition.