Sports
PLATEAU runners, in a sheer display of prowess on Saturday, once again dominated the podium at the maiden edition of the 10km Capital City Race in Lagos.
They won the first, second and third positions in the male category while winning second and third positions in the female category.
Coming first among the runners in the 10km male category was James Gang with a time of 30:15 minutes, while his compatriot Ismael Sadjo returned with a time of 32 minutes and Emmanuel Dung in third place with 32:15 minutes.
In the female category, veteran runner, Abiye David, from Lagos State dusted others with a time of 35:15 minutes.
Plateau’s Yilmunen Nicholas came second in a time of 37:47 minutes and Grace Goar in third place with 39:02 minutes.
The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Facodu, said the success of the race was a testament to the state government’s encouragement of private sector participation in sports development.
“This is super great and this is one of the things we have been talking about; engaging our society in sporting activities.
“This is the first of its kind in Lagos and I believe strongly that lots of communities and states will want to adopt what we are doing in promoting healthy living, lifestyle, and fitness in general, ” he said.
In the same vein convener of the race, Dapo Ajayi, said he was overwhelmed with the appreciation of the race by Lagos residents.
“We are humbled with the turnout The love has been enormous and we are grateful to the Lagos State Government, LSSC, and residents, in general, ” he said.
The winner of the male category, Gang said it had always been his dream to win the marathon.
“I have always wanted to be a runner and to win. I did train well for this, but before now, I have participated in about three marathons, ” he said.
Also, David, winner of the female category, said she would not relent until she was fulfilled as an athlete.
“I will continue to put in my best effort and to continue participating in marathons until I am satisfied with myself.
“Participating in a marathon like this has become part of me and I enjoy doing it,” she said.
NAN reports that the first-place winner went home with N500,000; second prize 300,000; and third prize, N200,000 in both male and female categories, among other consolation prizes. (NAN)
Photo Caption: Plateau’s Gang, winners of the maiden 10km Capital City Race, receives his demo cash prize from the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, in Lagos on Saturday.
23rd November, 2024.
C.E.
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