The Ekiti State Government has awarded a total of N15 million to winners of the 17.5km Ikogosi Marathon, including special prizes for indigenous athletes, as part of efforts to encourage local participation, promote sports, and empower youths across the state.
The marathon began at Ilawe Ekiti and ended at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where the awards ceremony was held. The event saw enthusiastic participation from thousands of runners, with over 3,500 athletes taking part, according to Femi Abegunde, Race Consultant and Technical Committee Lead.
Male Category Winners:
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1st place: Iliya Raymond Gyang – 57.33 minutes, N2 million
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2nd place: Francis James – 57.44 minutes, N1.5 million
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3rd place: Sadjo Ismael – 59.16 minutes, N1 million
Female Category Winners:
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1st place: Blessing Shamboa – 68 minutes, N2 million
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2nd place: Akusho Lydia Thomas – 70.12 minutes, N1.5 million
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3rd place: Nvou Gyang Tanko – 71.15 minutes, N1 million
Indigenous Athlete Awards:
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Male: Tunde Segun (Otun Ekiti) – 1st, Sunday Ijoko (Ijero Ekiti) – 2nd, Agbalaya Alayande (Ado Ekiti) – 3rd
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Female: Ona Ara Popoola (Ilawe Ekiti) – 1st, Imisioluwa Ajayi (Igbemo Ekiti) – 2nd, Maria Ojanbati (Omuo Ekiti) – 3rd
The event’s technical lead, Femi Abegunde, praised the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration for expanding the marathon, calling it a platform for youth empowerment, community development, and local economic growth.
Abegunde highlighted the positive impact of the marathon on local businesses, employment, and tourism, noting that vendors, carpenters, media personnel, and food sellers benefited from the event. He added that the inclusion of an indigenous athlete category helps discover new talent and encourages wider participation.
The former Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Alabi, who opened the race, commended the continuation of the Ikogosi Marathon by the Oyebanji administration. The marathon was first introduced in 2019 under former Governor Kayode Fayemi, covering a 10km route from Aramoko Ekiti to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.
Abegunde emphasized that the Ikogosi Marathon is more than just a sporting event, stating it promotes tourism, health, and community development while positioning Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort as a global tourist destination.
