Ondo Christmas Marathon Draws Over 5,000 Athletes, Rewards Youth Talent with N3.5m

Ondo town came alive on Sunday as no fewer than 5,000 athletes from across Nigeria and other African countries converged for the annual Christmas Marathon, a sporting event that combined competition, health advocacy and youth empowerment.

The marathon, tagged the Prince Adewole Adebayo Christmas Marathon and Queen Lillian Adebayo Health Walk, attracted runners of different ages and backgrounds, turning the ancient town into a hub of energy and endurance.

Winners at the event went home with prize money totalling N3.5 million.

Sponsored by the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 15-kilometre race was first introduced in 2024 with a clear focus on engaging young people and discovering emerging athletic talents.

This year’s edition built on that vision, drawing even more participants and spectators.

Before the competitive race began, participants took part in a five-kilometre health walk, underscoring the organisers’ emphasis on wellness and preventive healthcare as part of everyday life.

Speaking at the event, Adebayo said the marathon was more than a race, describing it as a platform to shape discipline, health consciousness and character among young Nigerians.

He said, “What we want to get out of this is basically to give people these sportsmanship characteristics. A country of sportspeople would be a very active country, and sports is the beginning of good health.

“It’s the beginning of having a strong military, and if you start with young people, it’s the beginning of developing character.

“Just to wake up in the morning and train for a marathon that’s taking place a year from now. ‎It’s a way to develop character, to develop purpose, and to also become part of an international community.”

Adebayo also noted that sustained youth engagement through sports could help curb crime and social vices, stressing that meaningful support from governments at all levels would amplify the impact of such initiatives.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Omoyele Sowore, said the idea for the marathon originated from him before receiving the backing of Adebayo. He praised the sponsor and his wife, Lillian, for their commitment, while expressing concern over what he described as government insensitivity to the struggles of ordinary citizens.

At the finish line, endurance and determination paid off for athletes from Plateau State, who dominated the men’s category. Gang James claimed first place with an impressive time of 48 minutes, 20 seconds, earning N2 million and a gold medal. Francis James followed in second place with a N1 million reward, while Musa Bala Sali secured third position and received N500,000.

In the women’s category, Blessing Solomon Shambor, also from Plateau State, emerged winner and took home N2 million. Charity Agofure from Ondo State placed second to earn N1 million, while Olufunmilayo Akanbi from Ogun State finished third and received N500,000.

For many participants, the marathon was not just about winning prizes, but about hope, opportunity and the belief that sport can open new paths for young Africans.