Ikogosi Marathon 2026: Plateau Athletes Set Pace in 17.5km Race, Competition Eyes Global Recognition.
The Plateau contingent produced a remarkable one-two finish, with Gyang James crossing the finish line first in 57 minutes, while his brother, Francis James, followed closely in 58 minutes to claim the second position.
Rochas Sunday completed the podium after finishing third in 59 minutes.
The marathon, which began in Ilawe-Ekiti and ended at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ikogosi-Ekiti, attracted elite athletes from across Nigeria and foreign participants from Kenya and Ethiopia, with runners drawn from 28 states of the federation.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni; former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr Abisoye Fagade; Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, among others. Beyond the competition, the 2026 edition of the Ikogosi Marathon reflected the growing ambition of the organisers to transform the race into a globally recognised sporting platform capable of promoting athletics, tourism and youth development in Ekiti State. In the female elite category, Teyei Davou emerged winner, followed by Tanko Nvou in second position and Vivian Obadiah in third. For the indigenous female category, Arinde Miracle, Bako Gift and Ademisoye Adesewa took the first, second and third positions respectively, while Adeyemi Tunde, Adetiba Abiodun and Sunday Emmanuel emerged the top three finishers in the indigenous male category.
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