Gyang James of Plateau State won the men’s elite category of the fourth Ikogosi Marathon in 57 minutes, ahead of his brother, Francis James, who finished in 58 minutes.

Rochas Sunday was third in 59 minutes. In the women’s elite category, Teyei Davou won, followed by Tanko Nvou and Vivian Obadiah.

The 17.5-kilometre race started at Ilawe-Ekiti and ended at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. Participants came from 28 states and other African countries, with about 14,000 registrations recorded.

First-, second- and third-place finishers in the elite category received ₦2.5 million, ₦2 million and ₦1million respectively. Special prizes went to outstanding Ekiti indigenes.

The organiser of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative, Makinde Araoye, said the organisers would sponsor Ekiti athletes who finish in the top 10 to international competitions.Besides the cash prizes and gift items for the top 10 athletes from Ekiti State, the organisers will also sponsor these athletes to international competitions, where they can compete, gain valuable experience and improve their performances,” Araoye said. He said the initiative aims to promote athletics, discover young talents and position Ekiti as a sports and tourism destination.

Gyang, who finished fourth at the previous edition, attributed his win to determination and better preparation. He described the marathon as an important platform for Nigerian athletes. BuyMaps

In the men’s Ekiti indigene category, Adeyemi Tunde won, followed by Adetiba Abiodun and Sunday Emmanuel. Arinde Miracle won the women’s indigene category, with Bako Gift and Ademisoye Adesewa second and third.Those present included former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni; former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr Abisoye Fagade; and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon.