7th February, 2016
Taiwo Adelu
Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Deji Tinubu has expressed gratitude to all the people of the state for being part of the historic maiden Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
The one day event, which was held on Saturday, was won by Kenyan Abraham Kiptum who braved all odds, shocking his co-East African stars, to win the race at 2 hours, 16 minutes, 21 seconds.
Another Kenyan marathoner, Hosea Kipkemoi Kiplagat was second (2:16:34), while Ethiopian Debebe Tolosa (2:16:40) came third in the men’s category.
The women race was won by Ethiopian Halima Hussen at 2:38:36, Kenyan Alice Jemeli Timbilil (2:38:49) and Aberash Feyase (2:39:09) came second and third respectively.
Tinubu, who is the Head of Local Organising Committee of the race said he was overwhelmed with the success the event recorded with no major casualty that could have tarnished the image of the competition, adding that the huge success recorded could have not been possible without the support of all and sundry.
He particularly thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for deploying all the resources of the state to ensure the success of the IAAF approved marathon, which he said has come to stay in the calendar of sporting events of not only in Lagos State but Nigeria as a whole.
“The success of the first edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is quite overwhelming. I want to thank Governor Amobode for making this a success and more importantly the participants and indeed all Lagosians for being part of history. I want to assure that Lagosians should be expecting more sporting activities of international magnitude in the life of this current administration in Lagos.
“As Governor Ambode has rightly said, the plan of the government is to make Lagos a hub of sports in Africa and the choice destination of tourism and investment,” said Tinubu, former board member of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Despite winning the tournament, Kiptum, a Gold labelled marathoner, did not surpass the time of 2:11:36 set before the Lagos City Marathon.
He also won the star prize of $50,000, the second place winner carted home $40,000 and third place $30,000.
The first Nigerian male to cross the finish line was Philip Sharabutu with a time of 2:30:51. In the second place was Eliya Pam who returned with a time of 2:31:41, Peter Maham came third with a time of 2:39:07.
Sharabutu received the sum of N1 million for his effort.
The race began at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos at 7.10 a. m., with at least 20,000 marathoners.
The 42.1km race went through the Ikorodu road to link Oworonsoki, then passed through the Third Mainland Bridge and linked Victoria Island to the end point at Eko Atlantic City.