A 14-year-old Elizabeth Olumide on Saturday won the female race of the 4th edition of the annual 10km Owan marathon race with a time of one hour and 24 minutes ahead of Ruth Abu and Precious Orogun.
The race was held at Sabongida-Ora in Owan West local gpovernment area and organized by a United States of America (USA) based Christopher Ojo.
Abu and Orogun from Edo and Delta states returned with a time of one hour 27 minutes and one hour 37 minutes to clinch the second and third positions.
Similarly, 16-year-old Delta state-born Embah Godspower emerged as the winner of the male race with a time of 1 hour.
He was followed closely by Paul Osadebame and Aliu Mirror who both ran a time of one hour two seconds and one hour 57 seconds respectively.
The female winner, Olumide who said the race was her first, hopes to secure a scholarship to study nursing abroad.
On his part, the make winner, Godspower said he was not surprised with his victory as he had trained hard for the race.
He said his ambition is to represent his state and Nigeria in both national and international engagements.
Meanwhile, athletic coach, Oluyemi Ayopo has commended the vision of the organiser of the annual Owan Marathon race for giving hope to the hopeless to showcase their talents.
He said that the annual Marathon race has helped produce athletes that had represented Edo state in national events.
According to him, “The organisers, Christopher Ojo has heaven these young stars hope with his singular sponsorship of this annual event.
“Through this event, about 20 athletes discovered in previous editions were sponsored to the annual Access Marathon race in Lagos.
“Through this event also, an athlete discovered during the second edition is presently on scholarship studying in America.
“We need more of Ojo to help nurture our abundant talents hidden in our various communities.”
The Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Athletes Technical Officials, Lucky Ehigiator has advised the organiser to register the annual race for it to become an international event.
They commended the organiser for racing the bar in the 4th edition of the annual race.
The organiser, Christopher Ojo has promised to ensure that the victorious in this year’s edition are exposed to competitive races as part of their grooming process.
“I see some of these young stars competing in both national and international engagements shortly. Who says they can’t compete in the next Olympics,” he asked.
VANGUARD
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