Gotwen, Agbofure Win Ibadan City Marathon Titles

The Ibadan City Marathon returned on Sunday with spectacular competition as Mathias Gotwen and Charity Agbofure claimed the top spots in the men’s and women’s 42.19km categories.

Gotwen, representing Plateau State, won the men’s race in 2:35:24, narrowly beating Friday Yohanna, who clocked 2:35:31. Agbofure from Delta State dominated the women’s field with a finishing time of 3:00:02, ahead of Elizabeth Nuhu Power at 3:08:43.

For their victories, Gotwen and Agbofure received N1.2 million and N800,000 respectively, while Yohanna and Power earned N500,000 and N400,000.

Both champions expressed gratitude for the support they received in preparation for the race, with Agbofure noting she had trained intensely for two months.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mrs. Wasilat Adegoke, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his role in making the event possible, while Olori Onikepo Akande, wife of the proprietor of Splash FM, promised the annual marathon would be sustained.

Organisers, West Midlands Communications—owners of Splash FM and Lagelu FM—expressed delight at reviving the marathon after a five-year break.

“It is about projecting the city of Ibadan, just like London and other major marathons,” said Splash FM’s General Manager, Tunde Olawuwo.

The event also featured a 5km race where Adebiyi Fathia, Ojo Anuoluwa, and Afigbo Esther finished top three in the women’s category.

In the men’s 5km, Abubakar Ayomide won ahead of Alabi Olusegun and activist Omoyele Sowore, who placed third.

Punch