Kenyans outshine others in 10KM Abeokuta City marathon

By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun

The Kenyans outshine athletes from Nigeria and other countries in the 10-kilometre Abeokuta City marathon held to mark the 80th birthday of the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Micheal Adedotun Gbadebo lll on Saturday.

The Kenyan athletes took the the first four positions at the end of the marathon which was sponsored by Lotus Bank.

The marathon started in the early hour on Saturday at the Onikolobo area of Abeokuta and it took Peter Mwaniki of Kenya 28 minutes and 33 seconds to finish at Alake Palace, in the Ake area of Abeokuta to claim the first prize.

Other Kenyan top finishers are Kennedy Kipyeko, Abraham Akobeche, and Charity Agofure who came second, third and fourth respectively. A Nigerian athlete, Francis James claimed the fifth position.

Athletes in the first, second and third positions got $5, 000, $3,000 and $1, 000 respectively as cash prizes.

Speaking to journalists, some of the foreign athletes commended the Ogun State Government for the good road network in Abeokuta which they said aided their performance.

Mwaniki said the good road network helped him to achieve his best time and to win the marathon.

“I am very happy with my performance today,” he said. “The roads were very good, and it helped me to run my best time. I would like to come here again for another marathon race”

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele congratulated all the athletes and assured them that the government will continue to invest heavily in youth sports.

She said, “It’s an opportunity for people to start to make a career in sports. His Excellency is committed to youth development. As we look forward to 2024 when Ogun state will be hosting the National Sport Festival, we also call upon youths to support our local organizing committee by participating and also to come out as spectators.