In a remarkable feat, veteran long-distance runner Joy Ebiye on Saturday secured her third win in the 9th edtition of the annual Lagos Women Run, finishing ahead of 10,000 participants from across Nigeria and other African countries.
The race commenced at 7 a.m from Tafawa Balewa Square, with runners crossing the finish line at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan.
Ebiye, who had also taken the top spot in 2021 and 2023, crossed the finish line with a time of 39:35:21 to secure first place in the 10 km competition again. Following close behind were Lizine Nguetsa of Cameroon, clocking in at 40:02:54 for second place, and Nigeria’s Charity Agofure, who finished third place with a time of 40:09:23.
The Lagos Women Run has grown beyond just a race, with its Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, emphasizing the event’s broader impact.
“This competition promotes unity, peace, and the spirit of feminism,” he said, highlighting the sense of community and empowerment that the race fosters among women from various backgrounds. “It aligns with our mandate to inspire and empower women, including entrepreneurship training, counseling, and capacity-building initiatives.”
Lagos Women Run General Coordinator, Tayo Popoola, commended Ebiye’s consistent success and noted the race’s appeal to both local and international runners. “The training and Expo provided participants with valuable skills to enhance their lives in multiple ways,” he said.
In the open category, Ebiye got N1.5 million, while the Lizine and Charity received N1 million and N500,000, respectively. Prizes for the veteran category included N300,000 for first place, N200,000 for second, and N100,000 for third, along with additional gifts from sponsors. All participants received certificates of participation and product giveaways from sponsors, celebrating the dedication and achievements of everyone who took part.
AUTHOR: Abdul Anjolaoluwa Rahmat.
