Kenyan, Ethiopian athlete wins 42km Lagos City Marathon

Kenyan athlete, Abraham Kipton, on Saturday won the Lagos City Marathon powered by Access Bank.

The Kenyan athlete finished the 42km race, which began at the National Stadium, Surulere national stadium ended at Eko Atlantic on the island, with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes.

The Kenyan got the grand prize of $50,000 for his efforts.

Ethiopia’s Haleema Hussein beat the other women to win the women’s race and also claim $50,000.

Veteran of many long-distance races, Emmanuel Gyang from Plateau State, finished an impressive seventh overall and was the first Nigerian to cross the finish line. Gyan got the special N1million prize reserved for the best Nigerian along with the prize for his seventh position.

The organisers promised at the end of the race, the first big marathon in Lagos in 10 years, that it will be an annual event henceforth.

Elated Abraham Kiptom, said he was excited to have won his compatriot, Peter Kiplagat and other top world marathoners.

Kiptom said though people were expecting Kiplaglat to win, but that the weather also worked in his favour.

“The race was not bad, I am happy I won the race and surprised people who thought my compatriot will win,’’ he said.