Kenyan wins Lagos City marathon

After three hours of marathon race at the Access Bank Lagos City 42.1km, Kenya’s Abraham Kiptom, emerged winner in 2hrs 21 mins, 20 secs ahead of his fellow compatriot, Hosea Kipkembe.

Also, Debebe Toise of Ethiopia came third behind the Kenyans.

The race began at the National Stadium Surulere Lagos on Saturday at 7.10 a. m., with no fewer than 20,000 marathoners.

The race went through the Ikorodu road to link Oworonsoki and pass through the third mainland bridge linking the Victoria Island and ended at the Eko Atlantic Beach.

Speaking after his victory in the race, Kiptom said he was excited to have defeated his compatriot, Peter Kiplagat and other top world marathoners.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Eko Atlantic City, the finish point of the event that he was happy he won the race with a time of 2:16:20.

Kiptom said 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.

Kiptom, a Gold labelled marathoner, did not surpass the time of 2:11:36 set before the Lagos City Marathon.

Hosea Kipkeboi of Kenya came second with a time of 2:16:34 and Debebe Tolosa of Ethiopia came third with a time of 2:16:40.

The overall first female marathoner, Halima Hussain of Ethiopia, came first with 2:38:36 and Alice Timbul of Kenya came second with a time of 2:38:49.

Aberash Fetase of Ethiopia returned 2:39:09 to place third.

The first Nigerian male is Philip Sharabutu with a time of 2:30:51, while Eliya Pam returned as the second Nigerian male athlete with a time of 2:31:41 and Peter Maham came third with a time of 2:39:07.

The first marathoner went home with 50,000 dollars, the second place winner carted home 40,000 dollars and third place 30,000 dollars.

The race began at the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos at 7.10 a. m., with no fewer than 20,000 marathoners.

The race went through the Ikorodu road to link Oworonsoki, then passed through the Third Mainland Bridge and linked Victoria Island to the end point at Eko Atlantic City. (NAN)