Francis James and Aderonke Akanbi emerged as the men’s and women’s winners, respectively, at the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race in Ogun State on Saturday.
James led the men’s field, completing the 10km race in 30:25.33 to claim the $1,000 first prize. Ilya Raymond finished second in 30:38.06 to collect $750, while Gyang Sunday completed the podium in 30:47.00 and received $500.
In the women’s race, Akanbi took the top position after finishing in 35:00.69 to win $1,000. Bulus Mary finished second in 35:58.71 and received $750, while Nwantiyi Teyei was third in 36:03.09 to take home $500.
For the winners, the victories were also a reward for their preparation and an opportunity to compete on a platform that continues to attract athletes to Abeokuta.
“I’m very happy with the victory. 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,” James said.
Akanbi said the victory was particularly satisfying after the work that went 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.
The race was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and attracted sports enthusiasts, dignitaries and residents from different parts of Abeokuta.
Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, 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 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,” Olopade said.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, 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.
“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,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication and former sports minister, Sunday Dare, praised Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another road race and commended Abeokuta residents for their support.
“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 residents with an opportunity 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.