A youth of Emure-Ekiti, Isaac Ozigi on Saturday won the 10 kilometer of Osetoba Marathon Race among over 80 youths that participated in the competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden edition of Osetoba Marathon Race drew more than 80 athletes to Emure-Ekiti.
The two-day event commenced on Friday with orientation, a route tour and athletes screening.
The traditional ruler of Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ajiboye
officially started the race with a novelty run with his chiefs and dignitaries in front of his palace.
Oba Ajiboye expressed his happiness with the initiative of the daughter of the town, Dr Olusola Osetoba to engage the youths and promote sports development in the community.
Oba Ajiboye prayed for injury free event for the athletes as they start the race.
The 10 kilometer race was programmed to start at the Elemure’palace and ends at his palace
The athletes were clothed with purple jerseys with numbers to identify them during and after the competition.
Ozigi, wearing number 20, finished first, Emmanuel Ojo, came second and John Monday won the third position while Abegunde Abiola was the first female to finish the race.
The winner received ₦250,000, with ₦150,000 for second position and ₦100,000 for third position.
The first female winner of the race also received ₦100,000. Athletes who came 4th to 16th position shared prizes ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦20,000.
To add glamour to the event, the CEO of Oluwaloseyifunmi Phones in Ado-Ekiti, Mr Ayodele Lawal, who is also a prominent indigene of the town gave out power banks to the first, second and third position while the winner of the women category also received power bank.
The winner of the marathon race, Isaac Ozigi expressed his joy for winning the race among over 80 athletes.
He said his initially focus was to become a good footballers but the race has opened a new path for him.
“This race has redirected my path. If I channel the same zeal I have for football into athletics, I believe the future is bright,” he said.
Ozigi commended Osetoba and her technical crew for organising the competition in Emure-Ekiti.
Reacting, the sponsor of the competition, Dr Olusola Osetoba, said she decided to organise the competition in her home town as her way of giving back to her root as well as supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s grassroots sports agenda.
“This is not a one-off event, It is a seed that will strengthen the future of sports in Ekiti.
” I want to sincerely thank NATO, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti state chapter, directors and staff of Ekiti Sports Commission and supporters club for their love and support for the success of the event,” She said.
