Peter Nwaniki of Kenya on Saturday morning won the Lotus Bank 10km Abeokuta marathon race with a time of 28 minutes 33seconds .
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the race was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited to commemorate the 80th birthday of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
The race was keenly contested by 2,000 runners including local and international participants jostling for $5,000 cash prize.
The Ogun Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako -Oyedele, Oba Gbadebo and the Managing Director, Lotus Bank Kafilat Araoye, the Promoter Nilayo Sports, Bukola Olopade were on the sidelines to flag off the race.
NAN reports that Kennedy Kipyeko and Abraham Akobeche also from Kenya won the second and third positions respectively.
Charity Agofure also from Kenya came fourth while 28 year old, Francis James from Nigeria came fifth.
The race started from Iyana Oloke junction-Onikobolo-Panseke-Omida-Isale Igbein through to Sapon down to Ijemo to Itoko, Saje, Kugba and finally to the Ake Palace Ground.
Athletes from China, Nigeria ,Eithopia and Kenya participated in the competition that had well over 2,000 participants.
The first position was awarded $5, 000, the second position was awarded $3,000 while third position was given $1, 000, all in cheques .
Salako-Oyedele congratulated all the athletes and assured that the state government would continue to invest heavily in sports development.
“It’s an opportunity for people to start to look for a career in sport. His excellency is committed to youth development.
” As we look forward to 2024, that Ogun state will be hosting the National Sport Festival, we also call upon youths to support our local organizing committee to participate and also be spectators,” she said.
The winner of the race, Mwaniki said that the good roads had helped him to achieve her best time in the marathon.
“I am very happy with my performance today, the roads were very good, and it helped me to run my best time. I will like to come here again for another marathon race,” he said.