The maiden JAC Motors Abeokuta 10km Road Race held on Saturday, 2 November 2019 amidst pomp in the ancient capital city of Ogun State, Abeokuta.
It was a race that the locals came out in their numbers to participate because they were so excited that this was happening in their domains. One of the participants was an Assistant Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ogun Province 6 Region 12, Shobande Jonathan Olugboyega with his daughter Favour Boluwatife. This was a father competing with his daughter.
“I have always been a marathoner since 1985 when I used to feature in Milo’s 42.591km race,” the 60 years old Pastor Shonibare told P.M.EXPRESS at the starting point of the race around 9 am on Saturday.
“I competed in 1985, ’86 and ’88 Milo marathon where I used to pick between 10th and 12th positions. I am not competing for money today, but I want to make a statement that old age doesn’t prevent anybody from running and it’s good to engage in sporting activities to exercise the body,” said Shonibare, a retired teacher of Asero High School in Abeokuta. He retired on 12 June 2019 on his birthday.
Meanwhile, his 15 years old daughter, Boluwatife, who participated in the race told P.M. EXPRESS that she was taking part in a marathon race for the first time. According to her, though she used to feature in 100m, 400m and 1,500m race for her school, Abeokuta Grammar School, her father encouraged her to register for the JAC Motors Abeokuta 10km Race to test her strength and made a debut in long-distance race competition.
The SS2 student said she hopes to have a future in athletics.
