Kenyan athlete Bernard Sang on Saturday, February 10 won the 2024 Lagos City Marathon, clocking 2:16:49.
The 42-year-old, who was trying the World Athletics Gold Label Marathon for the third time, finished 9th in 2020 and 3rd in 2023.
“I am very happy and grateful to have won this race. Last year, I came in third, but this year is different because I won the race,” Sang stated.
Finishing second and third in the race at Eco Atlantic Victoria Island, were Silas Cheprot and Godfrey Birger, who crossed the finishing line in 2:16.54 and 2:17.43 respectively.
The winner, Sang will receive Ksh7.5 million, as the first and second runners up bag Ksh6 million and Ksh4.5 million, for their performances.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia took the lead with Chala Kebene emerging victorious despite the harsh weather conditions, clocking a personal best of 2:41:01.
Coming in second, was Ruti Aga from Ethiopia and Kenyan Sharon Cherop came in third, clocking 2:41:41 and 2:42:00 respectively.
Twenty-three refugees from all over the world participated in the marathon, competing against 109 elite athletes as the 42-kilometre race entered its second sting as a global label competition.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting social causes to boost the economy using the marathon as a platform.
“We want to continue to promote the country’s economy and make sure the marathon plays its role,” Deputy Managing Director (North) Access Bank PLC.
World Athletics on Tuesday, February 6, announced the ratification of Kenya's Kevin Kiptum’s marathon world record, noting that the performance was now cemented in the global scene.
“Kenya’s Kiptum became the first athlete to break 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, taking 34 seconds off the world record," World Athletics stated.
