Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has set a new pace for sports and tourism engagements with the hosting of its maiden Enugu City International Marathon 2025.
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The event, which attracted elite athletes from around the world, and a great number of Nigerian runners, showcased Enugu’s scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural traditions.
Flagging off the highly anticipated 42km competitive race by Gov. Mbah, which kick-started at 6:30am with the sound of a gun, and a last lap 10km at 9:30am which Mbah completed under an hour, showcased his enthusiasm for sports and commitments to promoting wellness and healthy living amongst the people.
At the marathon, Kenyans Ken Kopos emerged the winner for Men’s category, followed by Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang on third place, winning a whooping sum of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 US dollars respectively. Shaoline Chepriroi of Kenya secured top spot for Women’s category, while Nigeria’s Davou Gyang from Jos, was awarded ₦3 Million after his pronouncement as fastest indigenous athlete.
Gov. Peter Mbah in his speech, expressed profound excitement regarding the event, saying, “What we have just witnessed is a spectacular event and it is a testament to the power of Sports”, he added that, sports in Enugu State will serve to nurture talents, attract visitors, and boost local businesses.
Gov. Mbah commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their excellent organization of the event, and congratulated the Winners, encouraging participants to anticipate an even more thrilling, world-class marathon next year —targeted at making Enugu State the premier destination for tourism activities.
“This year’s Enugu City international Marathon attracted elite runners across Africa, we had long distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea to say the least. However, Let me say this to you, next year! we are going to attract elite runners of the world.
“Our objective is to make the Enugu City international Marathon a major highlight of the International Athletics Federation Event; it is going to be a major highlight in their calendar. We are going to make Enugu the premier destination for tourism.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend the organizers of this event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and other members of his team, for this very successful event.
“I also want to congratulate the Winners of this Marathon, and for those who were outside the medal bracket; you should also be very proud of yourselves, because you’ve earned yourselves, stripes, and I’m sure that there is still next year and you’re going to do well, so do not give up. Let us come back next year and show what we are made up of.
“Congratulations Everyone and thank you very much”, the governor added.
The State government ensured there was maximum security and first aid logistics for athletic participants and non participants who were also treated to musical entertainment by KCEE Limpopo amongst other Entertainers.
Dignitaries at the event were, Former Governor of Imo State; Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker Federal House of Reps; Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Former Speaker Federal House of Reps; Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, PDP State Chairman, Hon. Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Enugu North Local Government Chairman; Hon. Ibenaku Onoh, Veteran actor; Sir Nkem Owoh, Former Presidential Aspirant and Activist; Omoyele Sowore.
Other Dignitaries; Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture; Hon. Patrick Ubru, Hon. Commissioner for Lands; Barr. Chimobi Patrick Okorie, Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Dame Ugochi Madueke, Chairman ECTDA; Barr. Eugene Uche Anya, Chairman Enugu Tourism Board; Dame Rita Mba, State Information Ministry’s Director of Admin. and Supplies; Mrs. Adimora Ugochukwu, Director of Information; Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, H.O.D Public Affairs, Comr. Eze Ezechinyelugo Cletus, and H.O.D Publication & Graphics, Mrs. Okafor Anthonia Ajulu, amongst others.
The Enugu City International Marathon 2025, is a shining testament to Nigeria’s thriving sports culture, promising to attract even more enthusiasts in the years to come. With its seamless execution and thrilling vibe, the event has firmly put Enugu State on the map as a top sports hub.
Ogbons Progress C.,
(SIO)
Reporting for Ministry of Information and Communication, Enugu State.
See Full List of the Enugu City Int’l Marathon Winners and their Categories/ Prices Won👇
Women’s Category (Elite)
- Shaoline Chepriroi (Kenya) – $15,000
- Tilahu Birul (Ethiopia) – $10,000
- Rita Busiengy (Kenya) – $5,000
Nigerian Female Elite Runners
- Blessing Shambo – ₦1 million
- Charity Agofure – ₦750,000
- Elizabeth Pam – ₦500,000
Men’s Category (Elite)
- Ken Kopos (Kenya) – $15,000
- Steve Baswey (Kenya) – $10,000
- Bernard Sang (Kenya) – $5,000
Nigerian Male Elite Runners
- Davou Gyang – ₦1 million
- Boyi Nyango – ₦750,000
- Iliya Pam – ₦500,000
10km Road Race👇
– Women’s Category:
1. Lydia Akusho
2. Esther Afigbo
3. Mwantiti Davou
– Men’s Category:
1. Francis James
2. Iliya Raymond
3. Boyi Gang