Nigerian and Ghanaian Athletes Shine at Owan Marathon
The 5th annual 10km Owan Marathon race, held this past Saturday in Edo State, saw a commanding performance from athletes hailing from Nigeria and Ghana. The scenic route through Sabongida-Ora, within the Owan West Local Government area, provided a challenging yet rewarding backdrop for the competitive field.
Male Category Highlights
In the fiercely contested men’s division, 26-year-old Adetiba Michael from Kwara State emerged victorious, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 50 minutes and 13 seconds. This win marks another significant achievement for Michael, who also claimed the top spot in the 21km Abuja marathon race in September 2025.
Following closely behind was Kwabena Freepong of Ghana, securing the second position with a time of 50 minutes and 37 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Yusuf Baaije from Plateau State, who completed the race in 51 minutes and 46 seconds.
Female Category Dominance
The women’s race was equally captivating, with Ghanaian athletes demonstrating exceptional skill and endurance. Ayaaba Joyce, also 25, led the pack, finishing first with a time of 57 minutes and 44 seconds. Her compatriot, Mumuni Christiana, secured third place, clocking in at 58 minutes and 54 seconds. Agofure Charity from Delta State showcased a strong performance to claim the second position.
Athlete Reflections
Victorious runner Adetiba Michael attributed his win to divine intervention, stating, “This feat is God’s decree.” He expressed optimism for future races, adding, “I hope for a better time in my next race.”
Ayaaba Joyce shared her perspective on her triumph, recounting, “I only hoped for the best when my coach, who told me about the race, was preparing me for the event.” Her words highlight the dedication and trust placed in her coaching.
Official Recognition and Future Aspirations
The Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Desmond Enabulele, represented by Frank Ilaboya, emphasized the crucial role of sports in youth empowerment. He lauded the organizers for expanding the scope of the Owan Marathon this year, particularly with the inclusion of international participants.
“It is commendable that the race expanded this year with the presence of foreign athletes,” Enabulele remarked. He further pledged the unwavering support of the state government for the event, stating, “The state government will also continue to support the event.”
Chris Ojo, the event organizer, outlined ambitious plans for the future of the marathon. He announced his intention to establish a dedicated clinic for training aspiring marathoners, underscoring a commitment to nurturing raw talent.
Ojo also called for greater collaboration with prominent individuals from the state, expressing a vision for professionalizing the organization of the race from the following year. He articulated a forward-looking perspective, stating, “The Olympics are just a little more than two years away, and who says we can’t groom athletes that will represent Nigeria if we remain committed towards this cause.” This statement underlines the potential for the Owan Marathon to serve as a breeding ground for future national and international athletic stars.
The success of the 5th Owan Marathon signifies a growing momentum in long-distance running in the region, with promising prospects for both athletes and organizers in the years to come.
