• Nigerians finish top 20
•Ambode promises bigger tourney
BY PAUL EREWUBA
Kenya’s Abraham Kiptum, yesterday at the Eko Atlantic City, won the second edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, 20 seconds.
Kiptum, it was who won the maiden edition and successfully defended his title in this edition, carting away the grand prize money of $50,000.
His time was a new record in the Lagos Marathon as he posted a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 19 seconds in the 2016 maiden edition.
Kiptum’s compatriots, Ronny Kiboss and Kiprotich Kiroi came second and third finishing in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds and 2 hours, 15 minutes and 30 seconds, winning $40,000 and $30,000 dollars respectively.
Istifanus Peter Mahan was the first Nigerian to breast the finish tape in two hours, 37 minutes and 51 seconds, while Kefas Williams and Ritji Timothy finished second and third in two hours, 40 minutes and 43 seconds and two hours, 41 minutes and 31 seconds respectively.
Nigerians by virtue of their feat finished top twenty in the hierarchy.
The race started at the National Stadium, Surulere by 7:00am and ended at the Eko Atlantic City on Victoria Island with over 50, 000 athletes who contested for the prize money.
Speaking shortly before presenting the prizes to the winners at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode said his administration had begun steps to reposition sports in the State, assuring that no stone would be left unturned to achieve the aspiration. He said the success of the race marked another leg of his government’s dreams and aspiration to make Lagos State the destination of Sports in Africa.
To this end, the Governor said the State would continue to explore and attract regional, continental and global sports events to drive home its mission, adding that the all round development of youths through sports remains paramount.
“Our commitment to continue to support our Youth in Sports Development is resolute, a part that we cannot depart from. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is a testimony to this avowed commitment,” he said.