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.
The race started at Ilawe Ekiti and concluded at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where the award ceremony was also held.
In the male category, Iliya Raymond Gyang emerged the winner, finishing the race in 57.33 minutes and receiving N2 million.
Francis James, who came second in 57.44 minutes, got N1.5 million, while Sadjo Ismael, who finished third in 59.16 minutes, received 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 indigenous category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe Ekiti won 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, described the event as a huge improvement over the maiden edition 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.”He commended Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for continuing the event, saying:”We are so happy that the government of Governor Oyebanji saw the need to continue to propel this idea even bigger than it has been.
“We see a lot of camaraderie and community spirit. Sport is a very strong tool to galvanise the youth and keep them away from vices.”
“It’s also a strong tool for empowerment — many people were engaged on this project in the last six months, from media to vendors and artisans.”
Events like this boost economic activity in the state.”Abegunde added that lessons from this edition would help improve future marathons, with a goal of making the Ikogosi Marathon a globally competitive event.
A former Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Alabi, who declared the race open, praised the Oyebanji administration for sustaining the marathon first introduced by former Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2019.
The maiden edition then covered 10km, starting from Aramoko Ekiti and ending at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.
Earlier in September, Abegunde described the marathon as “more than a sporting event,” saying it aims to promote tourism, health, and community development.
He explained that the race would spotlight Ikogosi Warm Springs as a global tourist destination, boost local businesses, and encourage healthy living across Nigeria.