Plateau State runner Gyang James claimed the men’s elite title at the fourth Ikogosi Marathon, completing the course in 57 minutes to finish ahead of his brother Francis James, who clocked 58 minutes.
Elite races decided at Ikogosi
Rochas Sunday took third place in the men’s elite event with a time of 59 minutes. Teyei Davou won the women’s elite race, while Tanko Nvou finished second and Vivian Obadiah came third.
- Men’s elite winner: Gyang James — 57 minutes
- Men’s elite runner-up: Francis James — 58 minutes
- Men’s elite third place: Rochas Sunday — 59 minutes
- Women’s elite winner: Teyei Davou
- Women’s elite second and third: Tanko Nvou and Vivian Obadiah
Route, turnout and prize money
The 17.5km event began in Ilawe-Ekiti and finished at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. Runners registered from 28 Nigerian states as well as other African nations, with participation registrations reaching roughly 14,000.
Elite-category prize money was set at ₦2.5 million for first place, ₦2 million for second and ₦1 million for third. Additional awards were presented to leading competitors of Ekiti origin.
International opportunity for Ekiti runners
Makinde Araoye, organiser of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative, said Ekiti athletes who place among the top 10 will receive support to compete internationally.
“In addition to the cash rewards and gift packages available to the leading 10 athletes from Ekiti State, the organisers will fund their participation in international competitions, allowing them to race, acquire important experience and raise their performance levels,” Araoye said.
He added that the initiative was created to advance athletics, identify emerging talent and strengthen Ekiti’s profile as both a sporting and tourism destination.
Local winners and guests
Gyang, who had placed fourth in the preceding edition, said determination and improved preparation were behind his victory. He also called the marathon a significant opportunity for athletes in Nigeria.
- Men’s Ekiti indigene category: Adeyemi Tunde finished first, Adetiba Abiodun second and Sunday Emmanuel third.
- Women’s Ekiti indigene category: Arinde Miracle won, with Bako Gift second and Ademisoye Adesewa third.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Ekiti State Governor Chief Segun Oni; former presidential aide Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye; Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism; and Sunday Asefon, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Student Engagement.
