Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia have won the 42km category of the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, with Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerging overall winner in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds, as Governor Peter Mbah vowed to make Enugu State Africa’s sporting capital.
The 42km race was flagged off at 6:30am from ShopRite on Abakaliki Road, Enugu, with the athletes racing through major parts of the Coal City before finishing at the Michael Okpara Square
The 10km race commenced at 8:30am from Chris Tee Petrol Station on Mgbemene/College of Immaculate Conception Road, also finishing at Okpara Square.
Kipyogo crossed the finish line in 2:23:38 to win the men’s 42km race and claim the $15,000 top prize. Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished just one second behind in 2:23:39, taking $10,000, while his compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayu placed third in 2:23:41 to win $5,000.
In the women’s 42km category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu emerged winner in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds, claiming $15,000. Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in 3:03:18, winning $10,000, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet placed third in 3:06:32,and won $5,000.
Nigerian athletes also made a strong showing, with Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerging the fastest Nigerian male in the 42km category after completing the race in 2 hours, 26 minutes, earning N3 million.
Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday finished second to fifth among Nigerian men and received N2 million, N1.5 million, N1 million and N500,000 respectively.
The Plateau Athletes
In the women’s Nigerian category, Deborah Pam Badung, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi emerged first to fifth respectively and received the corresponding prize money.
In the 10km category, Plateau State athletes dominated the men’s podium, with Gang James Boyi, Davwi Gyang and Pam Joshua finishing first, second and third respectively. They received N1 million, N750,000 and N500,000.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage placed fourth and fifth, winning N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
In the women’s 10km category, Patience Daylop, Obadih Vivian, Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness and Nvou Gyang Tanko finished first to fifth respectively and received the corresponding prizes.
Presidential candidate, Omoleye So we’re participated in the 10km marathon
Presenting prizes to the winners, Governor Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated the athletes and participants, describing the marathon as another demonstration of his administration’s determination to attract investment, create opportunities for young people and expand Enugu’s tourism potential.
Deputy Governor of Enugu state, Ifeanyi Ossai represented Governor Mbah
Mbah said his administration was determined to position Enugu as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, while also making the state Africa’s sporting capital.
He urged the athletes to return for subsequent editions, assuring them that the competition would continue to improve in standard.
The event attracted major figures in athletics, including the President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, representing World Athletics; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Ahmed Gumel; President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa; former Nigeria Olympic Team Captain, Yusuf Ali; and MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade.
Visiting athletes expressed joy with the organisation of the marathon, as well as Enugu’s infrastructure, green environment and security, expressing their readiness to return for the 2027 edition.
The Enugu City International Marathon is organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited with the support of the Enugu State Government and is designed to promote sports tourism and position Enugu as a major sporting destination.
