Kenya, Ethiopia Dominate Second Enugu City International Marathon

Posted : 01 September 2026

Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the elite events at the second Enugu City International Marathon, with athletes from both countries claiming the top prizes in the men's and women's 42km races. The event was held on Saturday, August 29, and featured professional runners from Nigeria and other African countries.

Kenya's Edwin Kipyogo won the men's 42km race in 2:23:38 to collect the $15,000 first prize. Ethiopia's Habtamu Girma finished second in 2:23:39, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayo took third in 2:23:41.

Girma received $10,000 for second place, while Daltiemayo earned $5,000. The narrow margins at the finish highlighted the competitiveness of the men's elite race, with only three seconds separating the top three runners.

Ethiopia dominated the women's 42km category. Zennebe Aberu won the race in 2:48:40, followed by Negashu Chatiu in 3:03:18 and Kenya's Adugna Mahley in 3:06:32. The three podium finishers received $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Nigerian runners had greater success in the 10km races, particularly in the men's event. Plateau State athletes Gang James Boyi, Davwi Gyang and Pam Joshua finished first, second and third, earning ₦1 million, ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.

The women's 10km race was also won by a Nigerian athlete, with Patience Daylop taking first place. Obadih Vivian finished second, while Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness and Nvou Gyang Tanko completed the top five.

Nigerian athletes also competed for domestic prizes in the 42km event. Iliya Emmanuel Dung was the leading Nigerian male finisher and received ₦3 million, while the next four Nigerian men earned between ₦500,000 and ₦2 million.

The marathon is part of Enugu's wider plans to strengthen its position as a sports and tourism destination. The official event website says the race is designed to promote athletic excellence, tourism, healthy living and community participation, with the 42km course structured to international standards.

Governor Peter Mbah said the state would continue working to improve the event and restore Enugu's reputation as a major sporting centre. Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Mbah at the prize presentation, said the government wants each edition to improve on the previous one and attract more participants.

The second edition also strengthened the marathon's international profile. Organisers are seeking to develop the event further, with the long-term objective of making Enugu a major destination for international road racing and sports tourism.

Kenya, Ethiopia Dominate Second Enugu City International Marathon

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