For 18-year-old Francis James from Plateau State, the lately concluded Lotus Financial institution 10km Abeokuta marathon race is a big milestone, not solely in his athletics profession however for Nigerian lengthy distance runners.
Earlier than his victory, all previous editions of the 10km Abeokuta marathon race had been received by overseas athletes.
This yr’s version began at Iyana Oloke and completed level was the enduring Ake’s Palace. Because the athletes race by means of town, they obtain enthusiastic cheers and reward from onlookers who lined the streets. This dynamic occasion underscored Lotus financial institution’s unwavering dedication to fostering group improvement, unity, and the essence of sportsmanship.
“I really feel excited profitable this race and I’m positive it is going to additional assist us (Nigerian lengthy distance athletes) for worldwide occasions,” James stated after profitable the race.
“To be sincere, this Abeokuta 10km race has drastically improved by way of organisation and participation. I thank each the sponsors and organisers for giving me this chance to show my price,” James stated.
Gyang Raymond, additionally from Plateau State, completed second with a time of half-hour and 14 seconds, whereas Coupang David Boyi and Ismer Sadjo tied for third place in half-hour and 54 seconds.
Within the feminine class, Blessing Shambaz got here first in 35 minutes 58 seconds, Daylop Persistence completed second in 36 minutes 51 seconds.
Within the Wheel chair race, Sola Opalaye emerged winner within the male class, Sefiu Ojeleye second and Akannì Jelili took third place. Chula Muritala Enweren completed first within the feminine class, whereas Adefala Nofisat got here second.
Talking on the success of the 2024 Lotus Financial institution/Abeokuta 10km Race, President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, additionally recommended the organisers for citing such initiative.
“The ambiance is excellent for the street race, and I’m proud of what I noticed. To crown it up, I noticed my athletes profitable the race.”
Meaning they’re arising working the lengthy distance races.
“Our lengthy distance athletes are doing nicely and arising. They’re having their Private Finest, and when an athlete is having PB, it reveals they’re doing one thing extraordinary. On the junior stage in Africa, they’re starting to do higher.
“We now have an athlete that got here fifth within the Africa Junior occasion in Zambia, which implies they’re doing higher. They’ve by no means gotten to that place earlier than,” Okowa acknowledged.
The winners of the race in each female and male classes went house with $1,000, first runners up obtained $750, whereas the 2nd runners up obtained $500 respectively, courtesy of Lotus Financial institution. The para-athletes had been additionally rewarded with N1million naira every by the sponsor.
For the promoter of the race, Chief Govt Officer of Niyola Sport Administration Restricted, Bukola Olopade, Nigerian athletes rising winners on this yr’s version of the Lotus Financial institution 10km Abeokuta marathon is one thing to have fun.
Governor Dapo Abiodun who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele stated his administration would proceed to companion varied stakeholders in the direction of the event of sports activities within the state.
Managing Director of Lotus Financial institution, Kafilat Araoye, was readily available to current prizes to the Elite Winners.
