Nigeria and Ghana’s runners were the top performers at the fifth installment of the yearly 10km Owan Marathon event held on Saturday in Edo State.
The competition was held in the Sabongida-Ora community within the Owan West Local Government Area of the state.
In the men's division, 26-year-old Adetiba Michael hailing from Kwara secured top position after winning the 21km Abuja Marathon in September 2025, completing the course in 50 minutes and 13 seconds. Kwabena Freepong representing Ghana came in second with a timing of 50 minutes and 37 seconds, whereas Yusuf Baaije from Plateau achieved third place with a result of 51 minutes and 46 seconds.
In the women's division, Ghana's Ayaaba Joyce, aged 25, and Mumuni Christiana secured first and third places with times of 57 minutes 44 seconds and 58 minutes 54 seconds, respectively, whereas Agofure Charity from Delta State took second position.
Michael referred to his achievement as divine will and shared optimism about an improved performance in his upcoming competition.
From her perspective, Ayaaba Joyce mentioned that she simply wished for the best outcome when her coach, who informed her of the competition, was getting her ready for the event.
The head of the national Sports Committee, Desmond Enabulele, stated that sport continues to be the quickest way to uplift young people.
Frank Ilaboya represented Enabulele, who thanked the organizers for increasing the scale of the race this year and promised ongoing backing from the state government.
"It is praiseworthy that the competition grew this year due to the participation of international athletes. The state administration will also keep providing backing for the event," he stated.
The organizer of the event, Chris Ojo, pledged to establish a training center for aspiring marathon runners.
In urging cooperation with sincere individuals from the state, Ojo mentioned that the organization of the event will be entirely managed by experts starting next year.
“The Olympics are just a little more than two years away, and who says we can’t groom athletes that will represent Nigeria if we remain committed towards this cause,” he added.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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