By Akeem Abas
The 12th edition of the Ibadan City Marathon witnessed thrilling competition on Sunday, with Mathias Gotwen and Charity Agbofure emerging champions in the 42.19km men and women categories respectively.
The marathon race is organised by West Midlands Communications, owners of twin radio stations, Splash FM and Lagelu FM.
Gofwen clinched victory in the men’s 42.19km race with a finishing time of 2:35:24, edging out Friday Yohanna, who finished closely behind with 2:35:31 in the men’s category.
The women’s 42.19km category saw Charity Agbofure dominate with an impressive time of 3:00: 02, securing first place, followed by Elizabeth Nuhu Power, who crossed the finish line at 3:08:43.
Gofwen went home with a price of N1.2million, Agbofure N800,000, while Yohanna and Power got N500,000 and N400,000 respectively.
In their separate remarks, Gotwen and Agbofure, from Plateau and Delta states respectively, expressed joy for their victories.
Gotwen thanked his friends, Banky and Agbofure, who encouraged and supported him to participate in the race.
Agbofure expressed joy for emerging the winner in the women category, adding that she had prepared hard for two months to get the results.
Mrs Wasilat Adegoke, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, appreciated the organisers, participants and volunteers who made the event a reality.
She thanked Gov. Seyi Makinde for his support and for creating an enabling environment for the event, commending his commitment as the number one sponsor.
Olori Onikepo Akande, wife of the proprietor, expressed gratitude to Gov. Seyi Makinde for providing enabling environment.
Akande, a two-time Minister of Industry, described the attendance at the event as a welcome development, promising that its yearly organisation would be sustained
Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, the Splash FM General Manager (Operations), expressed joy that the much-cherished race of Ibadan people had eventually returned after a five-year break.
“We are happy that eventually the race has returned. The race that Ibadan people so much cherished. We are glad it came back after five years break
“It is about projecting the city of Ibadan and that is why the name changed in 2016 from Splash FM Integrity marathon to Ibadan City Marathon Race.
“This follows the pattern of other marathons in the world like London City Marathon Race,” he said.
The event featured 5km race which saw Adebiyi Fathia, Ojo Anuoluwa and Afigbo Esther, emerged first, second and third respectively in the women’s category.
The men’s 5km category produced another remarkable contest as Abubakar Ayomide, Alabi Olusegun and popular rights activist, Omoyele Sowore came first, second and third respectively.
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