The Ekiti State government has awarded a N15 million prize to the winners of the maiden 17.5 km Ikogosi Marathon, rewarding athletes across several categories.
According to reports, the marathon event began in Ilawe Ekiti and finished at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where the awards were presented and the race consultant spoke to participants and guests.
The men’s race was won by Iliya Raymond Gyang, who crossed the line in 57 minutes 33 seconds and took home N2 million. Francis James finished second in 57 minutes 44 seconds, earning N1.5 million, while Sadjo Ismael placed third in 59 minutes 16 seconds and received N1 million.
In the women’s race, Blessing Shamboa topped the field with a 68‑minute run and a N2 million prize, Akusho Lydia Thomas finished second in 70.12 minutes to collect N1.5 million, and Nvou Gyang Tanko placed third in 71.15 minutes, receiving N1 million.
However, the state government also awarded indigenous racers. The figures show the elite men’s and women’s winners each taking home N1.5 million for the winner, with second‑place winners receiving N1 million and third‑place runners earning N500,000.
Among male indigenous runners, Tunde Segun from Otun Ekiti came first, Sunday Ijoko from Ijero Ekiti second, and Agbalaya Alayande from Ado Ekiti third.
For the female category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe Ekiti won first, Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo Ekiti second, and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo Ekiti third.
Femi Abegunde, the Ikogosi Marathon’s Race Consultant and Technical Committee Lead, noted that the 2025 edition showed a marked improvement over the inaugural race held in 2019.
According to him, he enumerated the total number of registered runners and gave a succinct analysis of their participation in the Marathon event.
“On the portal, we have almost 6,000 registered runners. But you know, it’s not everybody who registers who runs. So, plus or minus, we have a decent number. Above 3,500 athletes participated in the race”, Abegunde said.
The technical committee lead further commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for backing the second Ikogosi Marathon, saying the administration’s support has helped the event expand well beyond its original size.
“We are so happy that the government of Governor Oyebanji saw the need to continue to propel this idea even bigger than it has been.
“So for us, we see a lot of camaraderie. We see a lot of community spirit. Sport is a very strong tool to galvanise the youth. It’s a very strong tool to get youth to go away from vices and evil things.
“It is a very strong tool for empowerment. You can imagine how many people were empowered on this project in the last six months, from media people to carpenters, vendors, to food sellers. All of those value chains are what events such as this bring to you to build a lot of economic commerce in the state”, the committee said.
Abegunde added by commending the organizers for including a local‑runners category, saying it boosts participation and helps uncover talent in Ekiti. He noted that insights from this year’s race will shape future editions, aiming to make the marathon a global‑level event.
The former chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, opened the race at Ilawe Ekiti and praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for keeping the Ikogosi Marathon alive, noting that it was originally launched by his predecessor, former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The 2019 Fayemi administration’s Ikogosi 10‑km marathon started at Aramoko Ekiti and finished at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.
According to reports, during a September press briefing in Ado‑Ekiti, Abegunde described the Ikogosi Marathon as a young but fast‑growing event meant to boost sports, tourism, health and the local economy.
“The Ikogosi Marathon is more than a sporting event; it is a platform for tourism, health, and community development. The race will promote Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort as a global tourist attraction, boost local businesses through increased patronage, and encourage fitness and healthy living across Nigeria,” said the race consultant.
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