Lagos — Kenya's
Abraham Kiptom was first to breast the tape of in 2 hours, 16 minutes
and 19 seconds to come first in the men's category of the 42km Lagos
Marathon race yesterday, his compatriot, Kipkemboi Hosea came second
with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 34 seconds while Ethiopia's
Debebe Tolosa finished third with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 40
seconds.
In the female
category, Halima Huseen Kayo of Ethiopia came in 2 hours, 38 minutes and
32 seconds, Alice Timbilil from Kenya was second in a time of 2 hours,
38 minutes and 49 seconds while Aberash Feyase from Ethiopia finished
third in a time of 2 hours, 39 minutes and 9 seconds.
With the victory,
Kiptom also pocketed $50,000 as the star prize money, while Halima
Husein Kayo of Ethiopia, who emerged winner in the female category, took
home the star prize of $50,000.
Emmanuel Gyan was the first Nigeria to cross the line but finished 7th in the overall position.
The race began at
the National Stadium (old Lagos) around some minutes past 7am with
nothing less than 20,000 marathoners and ends at the Eko Atlantic city
(New Lagos).
Dignitaries at the
finishing line include the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode,
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, Minister of Sports, Solomon
Dalung and President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA)
Hamad Kalkaba Malboum.
Kiptom said after the race that he was excited to have defeated other top marathoners in the world to win the race.
"The race was not bad, I am happy i won the race and surprised people who thought my compatriot will win," he said.
