Enugu City International Marathon: Kipyego, Aberu Take Elite Honours

Enugu City International Marathon: Kipyego, Aberu Take Elite Honours

By BSN Sports 

History was made in Enugu on Saturday as the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon attracted more than 3,000 runners and spectators, with Kenya’s Edwin Kipyego and Ethiopia’s Zenebe Aberu emerging champions of the elite men’s and women’s 42KM races respectively, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The event, organised by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, received technical support from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and featured both elite and mass-participation races across the Coal City.

Kipyego produced a tactical performance to win the men’s 42KM race in 2:20:38, pulling away from a four-man lead pack with about five kilometres remaining.

The Kenyan maintained his advantage to cross the finish line first at Mike Okpara Square, earning $15,000, a gold medal and the title of Enugu City International Marathon champion.

“This was a tough but beautiful course,” Kipyego said. “The hills tested us, but the people of Enugu carried us with their cheers. I will definitely return next year.”

Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayu took third place in 2:23:41.

The 42KM race was flagged off at 6:30am at Shoprite on Abakaliki Road by Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah. The route took runners through Independence Layout, Okpara Avenue and Nike Lake Road before ending at Mike Okpara Square.

In the women’s elite race, Ethiopia’s Zenebe Aberu secured the overall title, further underlining the dominance of East African athletes at the second edition of the competition.

Nigerian athletes provided a home-country highlight in the 10KM race, with Gang James Boyi winning the men’s category in 29:59, while Obadih Vivian claimed the women’s title in 35:13.09.

More than 3,000 runners participated in the 10KM event, which was flagged off at 8:30am at Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road.

The race was designed to promote mass participation while providing an avenue for identifying emerging road-running talent in Nigeria.

Boyi made his decisive move with three kilometres remaining and held on to secure the ₦3 million first prize.

“Running and winning in my city is a dream,” Vivian said. “The organisation was excellent and I’m proud to be part of history.”

Davwi Gyang and Mwantiyi Teyei finished second in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, while Pam Joshua and Danjuma Agnes placed third.

Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Yetunde Olopade, described the marathon as a “world-class” event, commending the organisers and the Enugu State Government for their efforts.

“Enugu has set the standard. From athlete welfare to security and crowd management, this marathon has shown that Nigeria can host international-label races,” Olopade said.

Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, said the marathon was in line with the state’s ambition to use sports as a vehicle for tourism and economic development.

“We promised a memorable marathon and we have delivered. Enugu is ready for the world. This marathon will only get bigger,” Ossai said.

He also congratulated the winners, participants and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the event.

The Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, commended the Local Organising Committee, sponsors, medical teams and security agencies for ensuring the event was conducted successfully.

He disclosed that the state had applied for World Athletics Road Race Label status for the 2027 edition.

The Local Organising Committee expressed appreciation to the official sponsors whose support contributed to the success of the marathon. They included 7Up through Aquafina, Afia TV, Pinnacle, Power Oil and Enugu Air.

The organisers also provided water stations at five-kilometre intervals, alongside medical support and entertainment at the finish area.

With its successful second edition, the Enugu City International Marathon is positioning itself as an emerging destination race on the African road-running calendar.

The Enugu State Government and Nilayo Sports Management said preparations were already underway for an expanded 2027 edition, with the ambition of further elevating the race's international profile.