Enugu City International Marathon: Kipyego, Aberu Conquer Coal City as Over 3,000 Runners Participate

Posted : 29 August 2026

Kenya's Edwin Kipyego and Ethiopia's Zenebe Aberu emerged as the standout performers at the second Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday, winning the men's and women's 42KM elite races respectively.

The event, which attracted more than 3,000 runners, transformed major streets in Enugu into a colourful athletics spectacle as local and international athletes competed for honours across the marathon and 10KM categories.

Organised by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management, the race also received technical support from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Kipyego produced a tactical performance to win the men's 42KM race in 2:20:38 after breaking away from a group of four elite runners at the 37KM mark.

The Kenyan maintained his advantage to cross the finish line first at Mike Okpara Square, claiming the $15,000 prize and gold medal.

Ethiopia's Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayu placed third in 2:23:41.

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

In the women's 42KM category, Ethiopia's Aberu secured the top position to complete an impressive international sweep of the elite marathon events.

The race began at 6:30 a.m. from Shoprite on Abakaliki Road, with the athletes passing through Independence Layout, Okpara Avenue and Nike Lake Road before finishing at Mike Okpara Square.

The 10KM event, which began at 8:30 a.m. from Chris Tee Petrol Station on CIC Road, provided an opportunity for Nigerian runners to shine in front of the home crowd.

Gang James Boyi won the men's race in 29:59.00, while Nigeria's Obadih Vivian claimed the women's title in 35:13.09.

Boyi made his decisive move with about 3KM remaining and held on to win the ₦3 million first prize.

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

Davwi Gyang and Mwantiyi Teyei finished second in the men's and women's races respectively, while Pam Joshua and Danjuma Agnes took third place in their respective events.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, described the marathon as a demonstration of Nigeria's capacity to stage international-standard road races.

"Enugu has set the standard. From athlete welfare to security and crowd management, this marathon has shown that Nigeria can host international-label races," she said.

Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, said the marathon was consistent with the state's ambition to use sports as a tool for tourism and development.

"We promised a memorable marathon, and we have delivered. Enugu is ready for the world. This marathon will only get bigger," he said.

Ossai also congratulated the winners and participants while appreciating the sponsors for their support towards the successful staging of the competition.

The Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, commended the Local Organising Committee, sponsors, medical teams and security agencies for ensuring a hitch-free event.

He disclosed that the state had applied for World Athletics Road Race Label status for the 2027 edition.

The organisers also acknowledged the contributions of the event's official sponsors, including 7Up through Aquafina, Afia TV, Pinnacle, Power Oil and Enugu Air.

With water stations positioned at five-kilometre intervals, alongside medical support, security and entertainment at the finish area, the organisers said the event provided a comprehensive experience for both elite and mass-participation runners.

The successful staging of the second edition has strengthened Enugu's ambition to establish the marathon as a major road-running event on the African calendar.

The Enugu State Government and Nilayo Sports Management have therefore commenced preparations for an expanded 2027 edition, with the proposed World Athletics Road Race Label status expected to further raise the profile of the competition.

Enugu City International Marathon: Kipyego, Aberu Conquer Coal City as Over 3,000 Runners Participate

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