IKOGOSI MARATHON 2025: Ekiti awards N15 million to winners

Ekiti State Government on Saturday rewarded winners of the Ikogosi 17.5km marathon with a cumulative N15 million, including special prizes for indigenous athletes, as part of efforts to encourage local participation, promote sports, and empower youth in the state.

Our correspondent, who witnessed the event, reported that the race started at Ilawe Ekiti and concluded at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. The award ceremony was also held at the resort, where the Race Consultant addressed participants and attendees.

In the male category, Iliya Raymond Gyang emerged the winner, finishing the race in 57.33 minutes, and walked home with N2 million. Francis James, who came second in 57.44 minutes, received N1.5 million, while Sadjo Ismael, who finished third in 59.16 minutes, got N1 million.

In the female category, Blessing Shamboa claimed first place with a time of 68 minutes and a prize of N2 million. Akusho Lydia Thomas, finishing second in 70.12 minutes, received N1.5 million, and Nvou Gyang Tanko, third at 71.15 minutes, took home N1 million.

The state government also recognised indigenous athletes, awarding N1.5 million, N1 million, and N500,000 to the first, second, and third-place winners, respectively.

Among male indigenous runners, Tunde Segun from Otun Ekiti came first, Sunday Ijoko from Ijero Ekiti second, and Agbalaya Alayande from Ado Ekiti third. For the female category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe Ekiti won first, Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo Ekiti second, and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo Ekiti third.

For the female category, the winners are Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe Ekiti (first), Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo Ekiti (second) and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo Ekiti (third).

The Race Consultant and Technical Committee Lead of the Ikogosi Marathon 2025, Femi Abegunde, said the marathon was a huge improvement over the maiden edition, which was held in 2019.

Abegunde said, “On the portal, we have almost 6,000 registered runners. But you know, it’s not everybody who registers who runs. So, plus or minus, we have a decent number. Above 3,500 athletes participated in the race.”