Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo emerged as the men’s and women’s winners respectively at the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race in Ogun State on Saturday.
Francis James led the men’s field from the finish, completing the 10km race in 30:25.33 to claim the $1,000 first prize.
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Ilya Raymond finished second in 30:38.06 to collect $750, while Gyang Sunday completed the men’s podium in 30:47.00 and received $500.
The women’s race followed a similar pattern, with Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo taking the top position after finishing in 35:00.69 to win $1,000.
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Bulus Mary Jah came second in 35:58.71 and received $750, while Nwantiyi Teyei Davou finished third in 36:03.09 to take home $500.
The results reflected the competitive nature of the race, which brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public for the fifth staging of the event in Abeokuta.
For the winners, the achievement was also a reward for their preparation and an opportunity to compete on a platform that continues to attract athletes to the city.
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Francis James said he was pleased to see his preparation pay off after crossing the finish line first, while also acknowledging the platform provided by the organisers.
“I’m very happy with the victory,” James said.
“It feels good to see all the hard work and preparation pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, and I want to appreciate the organisers for putting together such a good race and giving athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves.”
Raymond, who finished second, said he was pleased with his performance and excited to have secured a place among the leading athletes.
“I’m glad and excited to have been a winner. It feels really good to see all the effort and preparation pay off.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, and I want to appreciate the organisers for putting together a race that gives athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves,” he said.
Gyang, who completed the men’s podium, said he was delighted to finish among the top three and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow.
“I’m just happy to be one of the people to grace the podium. It is a good feeling to finish among the top athletes, especially in a race like this. I appreciate the organisers for giving us the opportunity to compete, and I hope this initiative continues to grow and attract even more athletes in the years ahead,” he said.
In the women’s category, Akanbi said the victory was particularly satisfying after the work that went into her preparation.
She also praised the organisers for creating an opportunity for athletes to compete.
“I am very happy to have won the women’s race. It was not easy, but I am glad that all the hard work paid off. I commend the organisers for creating this opportunity and for the effort they put into making the race a success. I hope the Abeokuta 10km Race continues to grow and gives more athletes the chance to compete at this level,” she said.
The race was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and attracted sports enthusiasts, dignitaries and residents from different parts of Abeokuta.
Managing director Yetunde Olopade said the organisers were pleased with the outcome and praised the athletes and participants for their commitment throughout the event.
She also thanked the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners, including Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, 7UP and Aquafina, for supporting the race.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this year’s Abeokuta 10km Race. The quality, organisation and enthusiasm shown by the participants have once again demonstrated what can be achieved when everyone comes together.
“We appreciate the Ogun State Government, our sponsors, partners and everyone who contributed to making this race a colourful and successful event. Nilayo Sports Management Limited will continue to uphold the class and quality that the company is known for,” Mrs Olopade said.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, also used the event to highlight the wider opportunities being created for athletes as sporting events continue to grow across Nigeria.
He particularly pointed to the equal prize money for the men’s and women’s winners, saying such measures could help promote equality in sport.
“I have always been a fan of equality. When you look at what Nilayo has done here, giving the same prize money to the men and women, it is something we should encourage,” he said.
“The Nigerian sporting ecosystem is getting bigger, and with events like this, we are creating more avenues for our sportsmen and women to thrive, compete and earn a living from sport.”
Also speaking after the race, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, praised Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another road race and commended Abeokuta residents for their support.
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Mr Dare said the event demonstrated the potential for Nigeria to host high-quality sporting competitions while encouraging participation in sports and healthy living.
“Nilayo has once again demonstrated that we can organise world-class sporting events in Nigeria. This is a top-class event, and the turnout of the people of Abeokuta shows the passion Nigerians have for sports and healthy living,” he said.
The race also provided an opportunity for residents to participate in fitness activities while highlighting Abeokuta’s potential as a destination for road racing and other sporting events.
Among the dignitaries present were the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.
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