Kipyego, Aberu Win Enugu City International Marathon Titles

Kenya’s Edwin Kipyego and Ethiopia’s Zenebe Aberu won the men’s and women’s 42.195km titles respectively at the second edition of the Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday, with more than 3,000 runners taking part across the marathon and 10km races.

Kipyego won the men’s elite race in 2:20:38 after making his decisive move at the 37km mark to pull clear of a group of four runners. Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayu was third in 2:23:41.

‘This was a tough but beautiful course,’ Kipyego said. ‘The hills tested us, but the people of Enugu carried us with their cheers. I will definitely return next year.’

Kipyego received $15,000, a gold medal and the title of the second Enugu City International Marathon champion.

The race was flagged off at 6:30 a.m. at Shoprite on Abakaliki Road by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. The route passed through Independence Layout, Okpara Avenue and Nike Lake Road before finishing at Mike Okpara Square.

Ethiopia’s Aberu claimed the women’s 42.195km title, while Nigerian runners Gang James Boyi and Obadih Vivian won the men’s and women’s 10km races respectively.

Boyi clocked 29:59 to win the men’s 10km race after making his move with three kilometres remaining, earning the top prize of ₦3 million. Vivian won the women’s race in 35:13.09.

‘Running and winning in my city is a dream,’ Vivian said. ‘The organisation was excellent and I’m proud to be part of history.’

Davwi Gyang and Mwantiyi Teyei finished second in the men’s and women’s 10km races, while Pam Joshua and Danjuma Agnes took third respectively.

The marathon was organised by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria providing technical support.

Enugu State Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai said the event was aligned with the state’s sports tourism plans and would grow in future editions.

Sports Commissioner Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu commended the organisers, sponsors, medical teams and security agencies for the successful staging of the race.

He also said the state had applied for World Athletics Road Race Label status for the 2027 edition.