Francis Ajuonuma
Kenya and Ethiopia dominated event at the 8th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon held on Saturday February 4.

Kenya’s runner, Edwin Kibet Koech braced the finish tape in a time of 02:14:14 to win the race ahead of Ethiopia’s Dekeba Tarfa who finished second in a time of 02:14:54, while Kenya’s Bernard Sang won the bronze medal.

Kibet took the lead right from Obalende bridge and maintained it to the end despite the consistent pressure from the Ethiopian.

For his effort Kibet received $50,000, while Tarfa and Sang got $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

In the women’s elite race, Alemenesh Guta of Ethiopia took the first position. Kebene Urisa also of Ethiopia finished second, while Kenya’s Naomi Maiyo took the third position.

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In his post race interview Kibet expressed his delight in winning the race which he said was very competitive.

“It was a very competitive race and my excited to have won it. It was not my best performance, my personal was achieved in Europe but I like I said I’m happy to win.

“I hope to be here next year if invited. I’ll take three months rest and will resume training there after and will only compete in competition approved by my manager,” he said.

For the local morathoners, Gyang Boyi Nyango coasted home in a time of 2:27:15 he was followed by Adamu Muazu who crossed the finish line in a time of 2:30:52. Friday Yohana took the bronze medal and went home with one million naira.

Gyang went home with three million naira for his first position, while, second placed Muaza received two million naira.

In the women’s race for the local runners, Deborah Pam showed why she is the best Nigerian female marathoner as she finished first in a time of 2:48:33, Elizabeth Nuhu and Dimatu Yohana returned second and third position respectively.