Kenyan wins Lagos Marathon; 68-year-old participant commends organisers

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.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Sharabutu Philibus of Nasarawa Sports Commission finished in the eight position and was the fastest Nigerian in the race.
Meanwhile, a sexagenarian, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, who not only participated in, but completed the marathon, commended the sponsors for organising the event.
Oshodi-Adeniyibada, 68, said at the Teslim Balogun Stadium starting point of the race that her aim was to reach the finishing point.
She said that it was not her first time of participating in sporting activities, adding that she had taken part in marathons outside the country in the past.
“I am very happy to be part of this historic marathon which is the first of its kind in Lagos and the organisers deserve commendation.
“I did track and field when I was in high school and my love for sports brought me out to be part of this.
“If I get tired on the road, I will rest or probably enter one of the official buses, but I will definitely get to the finish point.
“I’m not here for the money but to exercise my body and also catch fun while participating,’’ the retired civil servant said.
Oshodi- Adeniyibada reached the completion point at the Eko Atlantic, fulfilling her aim of finishing the race.
Officials of the Police, Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) provided security and ensured orderliness.
The roads leading into the routes were blocked to prevent vehicles from causing obstruction, a development that caused gridlock all over the metropolis.
Also, an object suspected to be a drone was seen flying over the routes.
A drone is an unmanned radio-controlled aircraft used for surveillance.