Nigeria’s Francis James and Blessing Shambaz have emerged winners of the 2nd Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km Race to go home with the winners prize money of $1,000 in a race that was officially flagged off by the First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, and supported by Mr. Nadin Khan, the president of the World Ultra Running.
James won the men’s race finishing at 30 minutes 11 seconds to beat all opponents to consolidate on his victory in Abuja when he finished second best in the half marathon held in the Federal Capital Territory middle of the year.
James also emerged Nigeria’s winner of the World class half marathon.
It will be recalled that James at his last major race in Abuja finished second place in a national half marathon race. He stressed that he used that race to prepare for the Lotus Bank Abeokuta Race and he was very happy winning the race.
He stressed that, the victory at Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km Race has given him the confidence to do better in other races coming up in Nigeria and its an indication, that he’s very close to making history for Nigeria in subsequent marathon races. He added that, Nigerian runners will pull surprise in the other races not minding the attendance of the East Africans.
In second place for the men’s race is Gyang Raymond with a time of 30 minutes 14 seconds. Gyang got $750 for his effort. While the third-place winner is Gyang David Boyi with a time of 30 minutes 54 seconds. Boyi got a cash prize of $500.
In the women’s 10km race, the runner-up that placed second was Daylop Patience with a time of 36 minutes 98.28 seconds to keep her position in last year’s edition. She got $750.
Third third-place winner is Agofure Charity with a time of 37 minutes 88 seconds. She got $500.
The 10km race also saw the participation of special athletes.
The route of the Lotus Bank Abeokuta Race wore a very active look with the presence of Febbs Table Water, a part sponsor of the event.
The volunteers on each points on the route all had Febbs Water on their hands ready to hand them over the runners.
The organizers decorated all the runners that crossed the finish line with gold medals, this added to the fanfare and celebrations at the Alake Palace finish line of the race.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
