Athletes, AFN count gains of Lotus Bank Abeokuta10km Race

For 18-year-old Francis James from Plateau State, the recently concluded Lotus Bank 10km Abeokuta marathon race is a significant milestone, not only in his athletics career but for Nigerian long distance runners.

Before his victory, all past editions of the 10km Abeokuta marathon race were won by foreign athletes.

This year’s edition started at Iyana Oloke and finished point was the iconic Ake’s Palace. As the athletes race through the city, they receive enthusiastic cheers and praise from onlookers who lined the streets. This dynamic event underscored Lotus bank’s unwavering dedication to fostering community development, unity, and the essence of sportsmanship.

“I feel excited winning this race and I am sure it will further help us (Nigerian long distance athletes) for international events,” James said after winning the race.

“To be honest, this Abeokuta 10km race has greatly improved in terms of organisation and participation. I thank both the sponsors and organisers for giving me this opportunity to prove my worth,” James said.

Gyang Raymond, also from Plateau State, finished second with a time of 30 minutes and 14 seconds, while Coupang David Boyi and Ismer Sadjo tied for third place in 30 minutes and 54 seconds.

In the female category, Blessing Shambaz came first in 35 minutes 58 seconds, Daylop Patience finished second in 36 minutes 51 seconds.

In the Wheel chair race, Sola Opalaye emerged winner in the male category, Sefiu Ojeleye second and Akannì Jelili took third position. Chula Muritala Enweren finished first in the female category, while Adefala Nofisat came second.

Speaking on the success of the 2024 Lotus Bank/Abeokuta 10km Race, President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, also commended the organisers for bringing up such initiative.

“The ambiance is very good for the road race, and I am happy with what I saw. To crown it up, I saw my athletes winning the race.”

That means they are coming up running the long distance races.

“Our long distance athletes are doing well and coming up. They are having their Personal Best, and when an athlete is having PB, it shows they are doing something extraordinary. At the junior level in Africa, they are beginning to do better.

“We have an athlete that came 5th in the Africa Junior event in Zambia, which means they are doing better. They have never gotten to that position before,” Okowa stated.

The winners of the race in both male and female categories went home with $1,000, first runners up got $750, while the 2nd runners up got $500 respectively, courtesy of Lotus Bank. The para-athletes were also rewarded with N1million naira each by the sponsor.

For the promoter of the race, Chief Executive Officer of Niyola Sport Management Limited, Bukola Olopade, Nigerian athletes emerging winners in this year’s edition of the Lotus Bank 10km Abeokuta marathon is something to celebrate.

Governor Dapo Abiodun who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele said his administration would continue to partner various stakeholders towards the development of sports in the state.

Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Kafilat Araoye, was on hand to present prizes to the Elite Winners.