Cross River State indigene, Sadjo Ismael emerged the winner of the first Ikogosi 10km marathon race in Ekiti with a time of 30minutes, 40 seconds.
The race which featured over 2,000 athletes in both male and female categories, commenced at about 8 am at Aramoko through Erinjiyan to Ikogosi.
In the elite female category Grace Emmanuel from Plateau came first with 35min 51s while Abu Paul was the first Ekiti athlete to breast the tape and Adewale Jumoke, the first female Ekiti athlete to get to the finishing line.
Other winner in the race include Adamu Muazu from Plateau with a time of 31min 22s and Oyebode Dada from Osun who came 3rd with 31min 48s in the male category while David Abioye from Ondo came 2nd with 36min 59s while Onye Salif from Plateau came 3rd with 37minutes 31 seconds in the elite female category.
All first placed winners smiled home with N1 million each while second positions attracted N500,000 each and third position N300,000 each.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Michael Awopetu said the race was one of the aims is youth development programs through Sports in the State adding that the focus was to discovery hidden talents and encourage budding ones.
Reiterating the resolve of the Kayode Fayemi-led administration to partner with interested individuals and corporate organizations to boost youth development, Hon Awopetu stressed the determination of the State Government to positively engage the youth at all time.
He however urged participants to be sportsmanly and see beyond the cash awards assuring that the race and other similar programs would be continuous in the State.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
