The ancient city of Ogbomoso on Saturday, October 30 was filled to its brim as the second edition of Ogbomoso marathon took centre stage.
Athletes and enthusiasts alike across the Nation stormed the city for yet another epoch long distance race event where new Kings and Queens emerged to make history.
Featuring 10km, 5km and trekking events, this year’s edition saw a fierce and fair contest of endurance and passion as some of the winners in the last edition couldn’t make it to the podium.
For the 10km event, Oyebode Sunday, a record holder of the 10km event of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon led the pack in the male category event as Odelana James, Azubuike Austin, Oladele Sunday and Ajitoni Abayomi trailed behind him respectively.
In the female category of the 10km, Jimoh Ramat clinched the coveted prize while Agofure Charity, Ajayi Mary, Oguntunde Ruth, Akoyede Margaret followed her respectively on the time watch.
It was also a glorious day for young athletes like Ibrahim Alaba, Oyerinde Isiah, Adegbola Blessing, Odebunmi Promise and Ibrahim Taiwo as they gripped the first five positions in the male category of the 5km session.
Adegbami funmilayo, Mukaila Sofiyat, Abdulateef Silifat, Adeagbo Favour and Komolafe Grace also savoured various prizes for winning all the revered positioning in the female category of 5km event.
According to the Convener, Prince Oyebamiji Aderemi, the road race had its scope from being a 10km expanded due to the yearnings of elders and the young ones who felt the need for participation.
Oyebamiji, while urging sons and daughters of Ogbomoso to rally round the project, he also called on corporate entities and philanthropist to support for the initiative which he said has become a veritable platform for youth development and enhance the well being of the public.
“Our doors are open for support that will create a win-win situation for this project. On our part, we will continue to do everything possible to hold this event annually as we seek for your continued fellowship and partnership” says the convener in his heartwarming speech which attracted applause from the huge crowd which attended the event.
In their separate remarks, Oba Sunday Ademola Ogunmola,Alaaje of Ogbomosoland and Oba Suleiman Oyebode , Alaroje of Ogbomosoland who both represented the Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III lauded the initiative and charged the organizers not to relent on their oars.
Interestingly, this year’s edition saw a great influx of athletes; with 709 athletes participating in the 5km, a total number of 108 people were on the card for the trekking event while 402 athletes
Order of prizes for 10km (male and female categories) includes;
1st- N100,000
2nd- N80,000
3rd-N70,000
4th-N60,000
5th-N20,000
5km (male and female categories)
1st- N30,000
2nd- N20,000
3rd- N15,000
4th- N10,000
5th- N5,000
The next edition of the marathon, which will be featuring half marathon (21km) has been scheduled to come up on October 29, 2022.
