Kenya athletes finish top in Enugu City International Marathon maiden edition
Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, on Saturday, participated in the maiden edition of the Enugu City International Marathon, completing the 10-kilometre road race in 45 minutes.
The full 42km marathon saw East African athletes dominate the podium. Ken Kopos of Kenya emerged winner in the men’s elite category with a time of 2:22:32, clinching the $15,000 grand prize.
His compatriots, Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang, came second and third, earning $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
In the women’s elite category, Kenya’s Shaoline Chepriroi claimed victory with a time of 2:44:37, followed closely by Tilahu Birul of Ethiopia (2:45:10) and Rita Busiengy (2:47:17), who won $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Nigeria’s top performers also left a mark. In the women’s elite division, Blessing Shambo finished fourth overall with a time of 2:48:04, securing the top spot among Nigerian runners and taking home ₦1 million.
Charity Agofure and Elizabeth Pam followed in 2:55:03 and 3:01:45, earning ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.
On the men’s side, Nigeria’s Davou Gyang led the local elite finishers with a time of 2:29:03, narrowly edging Boyi Nyango by three seconds. Iliya Pam placed third. They received cash prizes of ₦1 million, ₦750,000, and ₦500,000 respectively.
The event, which drew elite athletes from across Africa, marked the state’s efforts to position itself as a hub for sports tourism and investment.
