Kenyan long-distance runner, Edwin Kibet, on Saturday finished ahead of other runners to win the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Kibet breasted the tape at 2:14:19:73 to emerge winner of the 42km marathon.
Another Kenyan, Kypgon Nehemiah, came second, finishing at 2:16:37:47 while his compatriot, Bernard Sang, claimed the third position, finishing at 2:17:17;13.
With Kibet,Nehemiah and Sang emerging as top three finishers, the Kenyans have once again dominated the podium,like they did in previous editions of the marathon.
Recall that Kenyans also claimed the top prizes at the 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023 editions of the marathon.
Ethiopian runners dominated the podium in the women’s race.
Guta Hirpa finished ahead of other runners while her compatriot, Alemenesh Guta, finished second and Kenyan Jeromo Peris finished third.
In his speech at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that his government would continue to prioritise using sports as an economic stimulant.
He said, “We will continue to support sports because of its immense benefits as stimulants of economic growth. Also, Lagos will be bidding to host the next Youth Games by the grace of God.’’
Kibet won the star prize of $50,000 prize money, while the first-runner up won $40,000 and the second runner-up clinched $30, 000. The same prize money was awarded to each of the top three winners in the women’s category.
Dignitaries at the marathon included Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko and the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade.
Others were Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeboye, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, among others.
(NAN)
