Kenya, Ethiopia dominate 2023 Lagos City Marathon

Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated Saturday’s 9th Lagos City Marathon in Lagos.

Edwin Kibet Koech of Kenya won the race with a time of 02:14:14, ahead of Dekeba Tarfa of Ethiopia in second place in a time of 02:14:54, and Bernard Sang of Kenya in third place in a time of 02:17:14.

Despite pressure from the Ethiopian runner, Koech seized the lead at Obalende Bridge and kept it until the finish.

Koech won $50,000 for his work, while Tarfa and Sang each received $40,000 and $30,000 repesctively.

Alemenesh Guta of Ethiopia earned the top prize in the women’s elite race followed by Ethiopia’s Kebene Urisa in second while Naomi Maiyo of Kenya came in third.

After the race, Kibet spoke with reporters and shared his joy at winning the competition, noting that it was a very difficult year.

“It was a very competitive race and I am excited to have won it. It was not my best performance; my personal best was achieved in Europe. But like I said, I’m happy to win.

“I hope to be here next year, if invited. I’ll take three months rest and will resume training thereafter,” he said.

Deborah Pam, the finest female marathoner in Nigeria, once again proved why she is the best by winning the women’s race for the local runners with a time of 2:48:33.

Elizabeth Nuhu and Dimatu Yohana came in second and third respectively.

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