Kenyan athletes as soon as once more proved that they’re the undisputed leaders of endurance racing as they dominated the ninth version of the Entry Financial institution/Lagos Metropolis Marathon held yesterday.
The Kenyans gained all the highest prizes within the males's 42 kilometers and likewise took second and third locations within the girls's race.
The race was flagged off at 6am sharp in entrance of the Nationwide Stadium in Surulere, however the humidity quickly grew to become the largest problem for the runners as they raced to the end level in Eko Atlantic Metropolis, Victoria Island. The 2024 Entry Financial institution Lagos Metropolis Marathon went off and not using a hitch, however there have been no new data to have fun as organizers would have appreciated.
Nevertheless, the organizers must be recommended for delivering race and hospitality that Lagos might be pleased with, and likewise for enhancing their credentials within the battle to succeed in prime 5 world marathon standing.
On the hour mark Silas Cheprot, Geoffrey Birge and Bernard Sang separated from the main peloton, however after half-hour of pacing, along with his compatriots, Sang took the lead, leaving Cheprot 50 meters behind one kilometer from the top.
He had the luxurious of checking his watch and being alert if Cheprot made a shock surge. There was no such thrilling finale as Sang rode residence effortlessly to take the title in 2.16.15. It was not the sort of outcome that the Race Common Supervisor, Yusuf Alli, needed.
It was additionally six minutes too late for the course file of two.10.23 seconds that David Barmasai of Kenya has held since 2020.
Silas Cheprot clocked 2.16. 54 and Geoffrey Birge 2.17. 44 seconds, to the delight of the Kenyan delegation.
Within the girls's race, Ethiopia's Urisa Kebene averted a Kenyan sweep when she anchored with a time of two.41.01 seconds.
She left the peloton with 10 km to go and continued to run unchallenged to the end. Kenyan Margaret Agai and compatriot Sharon Jemtal Cherop completed in 2.41.42 seconds and a couple of.47.00 seconds respectively.
“It is extremely sizzling in Lagos, in Kenya it’s chilly,” stated Sang, who completed third within the 2023 race. “It’s tough to run in such circumstances, however subsequent yr I’d be there to do it once more to attempt.”
The second place girl, Agai, who was collaborating within the Lagos Metropolis Marathon for the primary time, additionally moaned concerning the climate however recommended the organizers for giving her the chance to take part.
The primary Nigerian man to cross the end line, Adamu Sheu Muazu, reached the end in a time of two hours: 29: 20 seconds, whereas Nyango Gyang got here second in a time of two hours: 30: 21 seconds. On Friday Yohana got here third in a time of 2h:35:21sec.
The primary Nigerian girl to carry the tape was Deborah Pam, clocking a time of two hours:55:27 seconds. Blessing Shambor Solomon got here second in 2 hours:56:41 seconds, whereas Energy Elizabeth Nuhu got here third with a time of three hours:18:05 seconds.
The winners of the race in each the boys's and girls's classes gained $30,000, whereas the primary and second runners-up took residence $20,000 and $15,000 respectively, whereas fourth via tenth positions obtained cash starting from $12,000 to $1,000.
Nigerian athletes who reached the end line first have been awarded N2 million for each women and men, whereas the primary and second runners-up smiled residence with N1.5 million and N1 million. Those that completed from 4th to tenth additionally obtained money prizes starting from N500,000 to N50,0000.
Talking on the occasion, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Engr. Obafemi Hamzat recommended the organizers and Entry Financial institution for placing collectively a seamless marathon, saying nothing that the state authorities would proceed to assist the event of long-distance racing.
In his personal remarks, Group Chief Government Officer of Entry Financial institution, Herbert Wigwe, who was represented by the financial institution's Deputy Managing Director, Victor Etuokwu, defined that the financial institution likes to be related to the historical past of the Marathon because it has led to many exceptional accounts of self-discovery and achievement.
About 88 prime athletes from 18 international locations of the world and 15 refugee runners took half within the marathon, which attracted 1000’s of runners.
There was additionally a ten kilometer race, which began on the Grace Backyard Occasion Place, Lekki, with Eko Atlantic Metropolis, Victoria Island because the ending level.”
