The fourth edition of the annual 10 km Owan marathon race was held at Sabongida-Ora in the Owan West local government area, and the race was organized by Christopher Ojo, who is based in the United States of America (USA).
On Saturday, 14 year old Elizabeth Olumide won the female race with a time of one hour and twenty-four minutes, ahead of Ruth Abu and Precious Orogun, who came from Edo and Delta states and finished in second and third place with times of one hour 27 and one hour 37 minutes, respectively.
The male race was won by 16-year-old Embah Godspower, who was born in Delta State, with a time of one hour. Paul Osadebame and Aliu Mirror were closely behind him, with times of one hour two seconds and one hour 57 seconds, respectively.
Olumide, the female winner who claimed that this was her first race, is hoping to get a scholarship to study nursing overseas.
Godspower, the make winner, stated that he had prepared for the race and was not shocked by his win. He stated that he hopes to serve Nigeria and his state in both domestic and foreign affairs. Oluyemi Ayopo, an athletic coach, has praised the organizers of the annual Owan Marathon race for their vision in allowing the despondent to show off their skills.
According to him, the yearly marathon race has contributed to the development of athletes who have competed nationally for Edo State.
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.
