Lagos City Marathon Gets Kudos as Kenyan Star, Kipton Abraham Wins Race

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Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), Col. Hamad Malboum thanked the organisers for putting up a sterling show and assured that the IAAF will partner with the state to make the Marathon the most remarkable athletics event in Africa and in the world.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Sports, Hon. Solomon Dalung, expressed appreciation to Governor Ambode, saying that the Governor by his actions is trying to repossess the lost glory of the state.

He recalled that during the yuletide period, the Governor spent a whole night at a fiesta held in Lagos, which according to him has launched the state to take the lead in the entertainment industry.

“I believe this is not an accident, but rather a part of the concerted efforts of the Lagos state government to play a major role in leading sports. The turnout and registration for this event attests to the fact that Nigerians love sports and that all Nigerians need is an enabling environment to express their potentials.” The minister said.

On his part, the Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, whose organisation is the major sponsor of the Lagos City Marathon, said they were proud of the opportunity to collaborate with the state government to empower the people with a sense of history.

He said his organisation will continue to collaborate with the state government to make the tournament bigger and better, adding that next year’s edition will take place on the 11th of February 2017.

Some of the athletes also commended the organisers of the Marathon for making adequate logistics to ensure a hitch free and successful tournament.

One of the athletes, Lekan Taiwo, said, “I am really impressed with the Lagos State Government. From the take off point, it was obvious that a lot has been put into the planning of this event. I saw ambulances, traffic control officers at strategic locations and even street sweepers were on ground to clear the waste generated from the participants. We had people coming out to cheer us up. This is commendable”.

In the male category, Kenyan Abraham Kipton was first to breast the tape at 2 hours 16 minutes 19 seconds to win the grand prize of $50,000, while his compatriot, Kipkemboi Hosea came second posting a time of 2 hours 16minutes 34 seconds and cart home the $40,000 prize.

Debebe Tolosa of Ethiopia finished third with a time of 2 hours 16 minutes 40 seconds and went home with $30,000.

In the female category, Halima Huseen Kayo of Ethiopia finished first 2 hours 38 minutes 32 seconds, while Alice Timbilil from Kenya came second in a time of 2 hours 38 minutes 49 seconds and Aberash Feyase from Ethiopia finished third in a time of 2 hours 39 minutes 9 seconds.

Some of the athletes also commended the organisers of the Marathon for making adequate logistics to ensure a hitch free and successful tournament.

One of the athletes, Lekan Taiwo, said, “I am really impressed with the Lagos State Government. From the take off point, it was obvious that a lot has been put into the planning of this event.

“I saw ambulances, traffic control officers at strategic locations and even street sweepers were on ground to clear the waste generated from the participants. We had people coming out to cheer us up. This is commendable”.

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