Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo won the men’s and women’s races at the fifth Abeokuta 10km Race in Ogun State, Trybal News reports.
Francis James took control of the men’s race and finished the 10km course in 30:25.33. His winning time earned him the $1,000 first prize.
Ilya Raymond finished second in 30:38.06 and collected $750. Gyang Sunday completed the podium in 30:47.00 and received $500.
Akanbi also produced a strong performance to win the women’s race. She crossed the line in 35:00.69 to claim the $1,000 first prize.
Bulus Mary Jah finished second in 35:58.71 and earned $750. Nwantiyi Teyei Davou took third in 36:03.09 to collect $500.
The fifth edition brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and residents from across Abeokuta. The event also gave runners another platform to compete and test their preparation.
For the leading athletes, the results rewarded months of training and provided a chance to compete on a growing stage in the city.
Winners Praise Organisers after Competitive Abeokuta race
Francis James said he was pleased to see his preparation produce a winning performance.
“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 was also pleased with his second place finish and said the result reflected his preparation.
“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 said he was delighted to finish among the top three and praised the organisers for creating opportunities for athletes.
“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 race, Akanbi described her victory as a reward for the work she put into her preparation.
“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.
Nilayo Sports Management Limited organised the race, which attracted sports enthusiasts, dignitaries and residents from different parts of Abeokuta.
Managing director Yetunde Olopade praised the athletes and participants for their commitment. She also thanked the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners for supporting the event.
Those partners included Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, 7UP and Aquafina.
“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,” Olopade said.
National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade also highlighted the wider opportunities that major sporting events can create for Nigerian athletes.
He praised the equal prize money for the men’s and women’s winners and said the approach 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.”
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, also praised Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another road race.
Dare commended Abeokuta residents for their support and said the event showed Nigeria’s ability to host high quality sporting competitions.
He also said the race encouraged participation in sport and promoted 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 gave residents an opportunity to take part in fitness activities. In addition, it highlighted Abeokuta’s potential as a destination for road races and other sporting events.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development Wasiu Isiaka.
Others included 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 Ogun State House of Assembly members Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.
