Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes dominated the 42km categories of the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, while Nigerian runners shone in the 10km race as Governor Peter Mbah reaffirmed his ambition to make Enugu Africa’s sporting capital.
Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the elite 42-kilometre categories of the second Enugu City International Marathon, while Nigerian runners delivered impressive performances in the 10km races as the 2026 sporting event ended in grand style.
The competition, held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, attracted athletes from Nigeria and other countries, further strengthening Enugu State’s growing ambition to become a major destination for international sports and sports tourism. The second edition of the marathon featured both the flagship 42km race and the 10km road race.
Governor Peter Mbah said the Enugu State Government was determined to restore the state’s rich sporting heritage and position Enugu as the sporting capital of Africa.
The 42km race, featuring elite international athletes, began at 6:30 a.m., while the 10km race, which attracted stronger Nigerian participation, commenced later in the morning before the competitors converged at Michael Okpara Square for the finish and prize presentation.
In the men’s 42km category, Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerged champion after crossing the finish line in two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds to claim the top prize of $15,000.
Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds, earning $10,000, while his compatriot, Shiferaw Daltiemayo, came third in two hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds to receive $5,000.
Nigerian athletes also received special prizes in the 42km men’s category.
Iliya Emmanuel Dung emerged as the highest-placed Nigerian male athlete, finishing the race in two hours and 26 minutes to win ₦3 million.
Solomon Nyango, Gyang Nyango, Nenfort Gofwo and Elisha Friday, who finished as the second, third, fourth and fifth best Nigerian male athletes, received ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million and ₦500,000 respectively.
In the women’s 42km category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu claimed victory with a time of two hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds.
Her compatriot, Negashu Chatiu, finished second in three hours, three minutes and 18 seconds, while Kenya’s Adugna Mahlet came third with a time of three hours, six minutes and 32 seconds.
The three winners received $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively, matching the prize structure in the men’s elite category.
Among Nigerian women in the 42km category, Deborah Pam Badung emerged as the highest-placed Nigerian athlete, followed by Elizabeth Nuhu Power, Fadekemi Olude, Lydia Akusho Thomas and Anna Agi.
The five athletes received the same cash rewards allocated to the top five Nigerian male finishers.
Nigerian runners, however, dominated the men’s 10km category, with athletes from Plateau State taking the top positions.
Gang James Boyi emerged winner, while Davwi Gyang and Pam Joshua finished second and third respectively.
The three athletes received ₦1 million, ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.
Ismael Sadjo and Kasinma Phage, who finished fourth and fifth, received ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
In the women’s 10km category, Patience Daylop emerged first, followed by Obadih Vivian, Mwantiyi Teyei Davou, Danjuma Agness and Nvou Gyang Tanko.
The athletes received the same prize structure as their counterparts in the men’s category.
Presenting prizes to the winners, Governor Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, congratulated the athletes and participants, describing the marathon as another demonstration of Enugu State’s determination to create opportunities for young people, attract businesses and expand its tourism potential.
The governor said the administration was working to position Enugu not only as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and quality living, but also as a leading sporting destination on the African continent.
He urged the athletes to return for future editions and encourage other runners to participate, assuring them that the competition would continue to improve in organisation and standards.
“Our Commissioner for Youth and Sports is already ready to keep improving on what we’ve done,” Ossai said, noting that each successive edition of the marathon was expected to build on the progress of the previous one.
Mbah also commended government officials, sponsors, organisers and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful staging of the event.
The competition attracted leading figures in Nigerian and international sports administration, including the President of the International Association of Ultrarunners, Nadeem Khan, representing World Athletics; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Ahmed Gumel; President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode; and President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa.
Others present included former Nigeria Olympic Team captain Yusuf Ali and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade.
The marathon was organised as part of Enugu’s broader strategy to promote athletics, healthy living, tourism and economic activity while showcasing the Coal City to a growing international audience. The event’s official theme, “Tomorrow Runs Here,” reflects its focus on youth development, sports tourism and the discovery of emerging athletic talent.
Several visiting athletes who spoke after the competition praised the organisation of the event and Enugu’s infrastructure, green environment and security, expressing optimism about returning for the 2027 edition.
With elite East African runners taking the top honours in the 42km race and Nigerian athletes demonstrating their strength in the shorter categories, the second Enugu City International Marathon delivered another major sporting spectacle for the state and reinforced Governor Mbah’s ambition to establish Enugu as one of Africa’s leading sporting destinations.
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