Kenyan runner, Koros Ken, at the weekend, emerged winner of the maiden Enugu City International Marathon, grabbing the $15,000 prize money. Kenyans totally dominated the event in both the male and female categories. He won the men’s elite category with a time of 2:22:32sec.
Another Kenyan, Steve Rasway, finished second and went home with $10,000 prize money, while their fellow countryman, Bernard Sang, was third to pocket $5,000.
In the Elite women category, Kenya’s Shaoline Chepriroi claimed victory with a time of 2:44:37, followed closely by Tilahu Birul of Ethiopia (2:45:10) and Rita Busiengy (2:47:17). They smile home with $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Nigeria’s top performers also left a mark. In the women’s elite division, Blessing Shambo finished fourth overall with a time of 2:48:04, securing the top spot among Nigerian runners and taking home ₦1 million. Charity Agofure and Elizabeth Pam followed in 2:55:03 and 3:01:45, earning ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.
Nigeria’s Davou Gyang led the men’s local elite finishers with a time of 2:29:03, narrowly edging Boyi Nyango by three seconds. Iliya Pam placed third. They received cash prizes of ₦1million, ₦750,000, and ₦500,000.
The maiden Enugu City International Marathon lived up to its hype following the large turnout of runners, fans as well as the level of organisation, which had all the spices of a world-class race.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah added colour to the event by participating in the 10km race. He declared at the end of the event that the race exceeded every expectation and that he is very satisfied with both the participation and competitiveness of the race.
“This race has shown us the power of sports and what sports can do in galvanising our youths. I am really impressed with what I have seen. It has only motivated us as a state to put more efforts to make the race better and bigger next year”.
Over 100 international Elite Athletes participated in the race with thousands of Nigerian runners also taking part thereby making history as first participants in the Enugu City International Marathon.