Ikogosi Marathon Initiative reaffirms commitment to Ekiti sports devt, gifts athletes N20m

The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative (IMI) has reaffirmed the transformative impact of the Ikogosi 17.5KM Race on sports development, tourism, economic activation, and youth engagement in Ekiti State, as the second edition concluded with the award of N20 million to outstanding athletes.

The race, which attracted thousands of participants and spectators, commenced in Ilawe-Ekiti and ending at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.

In the male category, Iliya Raymond Gyang from Plateau State clinched first place with a time of 57 minutes and 33 seconds, earning a cash prize of N2 million.

Francis James, also from Plateau State, finished second in 57 minutes and 44 seconds to receive N1.5 million, while his compatriot, Sadjo Ismael, secured third place in 59 minutes and 16 seconds to receive N1 million.

In the female category, Blessing Shamboa from Plateau State emerged winner with a finishing time of 68 minutes, earning N2 million. She was followed by Akusho Lydia Thomas, also from Plateau State, who finished in 70 minutes and 12 seconds to claim N1.5 million, while Nvou Gyang Tanko came third in 71 minutes and 15 seconds to receive N1 million.

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In the male indigenous category, Tunde Segun from Otun-Ekiti emerged winner and received N1.5 million, followed by Sunday Ijoko from Ijero-Ekiti, who took second place with N1 million, while Agbalaya Alayande from Ado-Ekiti finished third, earning N500,000.

In the female indigenous category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe-Ekiti clinched the top spot with a N1.5 million prize, while Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo-Ekiti and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo-Ekiti came second and third, receiving N1 million and N500,000 respectively.

The Race Consultant and Technical Lead, Femi Abegunde, highlighted the event’s expanding socio-economic footprint, revealing that 6,891 individuals registered for the race, with 3,694 runners successfully completing the course.

Abegunde stressed that beyond elite performances, the Ikogosi 17.5km race has evolved into a platform for economic participation, engaging artisans, vendors, hospitality operators, media teams, and community-based organisations.

According to him, the event continues to stimulate micro-enterprise activity, promote local tourism, inspire youth engagement, and strengthen social cohesion across Ekiti State.

The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative expressed appreciation to its strategic partners “whose collaboration has been instrumental to the success of the 2025 edition.”

The race was formally flagged off by the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti and former Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Alabi, who commended IMI for its sustained vision and remarkable progress since its inaugural edition in 2019.

The Star