The North Africans maintained their grips as marathon race experts during the maiden JAC Motors Abeokuta 10km Race as they dusted nationals of other African countries to dominate the event held in the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday.
Biwott Kembo from Kenya won the men’s race with Rotich John from Ethiopia and Alemneh Tegene also from Ethiopia winning the second and third position respectively.
Nigerian Emmanuel Gyan was fourth overall, while he won the prize of N1 million as first Nigeria to cross the finish line.
In the women’s category, Ethiopian Tadu Redbone Nare came first with Kenyans Cheptoeck Careen and Nancy Wangui came second and third respectively.
Fadekemi Olude from Nigeria was fifth overall and won the prize as the first Nigerian women to cross the finish line.
Governor Abiodun who presented prizes and medals to the elite athletes from the North African nations was glad that an international event was taking place in the state. He noted that the state is very unique in Nigeria in the areas of sports, religious, education, tourism and politics, adding that his administration knows important of sports and will leave nothing to chance to ensure that the state reclaims its lost glory in Nigerian sports.
The initiator of the race, Bukola Olopade of Nilayo Sports Marketing Company said that bringing an international race to his home town is one of the achievements he has in life. He applauded the support the organisers have received from numerous sponsors which identified with the race.
