Two brothers from Plateau State, Gyang and Francis James, stole the spotlight at the fourth edition of the Ikogosi marathon Saturday, finishing first and second respectively in the men’s elite category.
Gyang crossed the finish line in 57 minutes to claim the title, while his brother Francis followed closely in 58 minutes. Rochas Sunday completed the podium in 59 minutes. In the women’s elite category, Teyei Davou emerged champion, with Tanko Nvou and Vivian Obadiah finishing second and third respectively.
The 17.5-kilometre race, which started at Ilawe-Ekiti and ended at the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, attracted participants from 28 states and other African countries. Speaking after the event, organiser of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative, Makinde Araoye, said the competition continues to grow, with approximately 14,000 registrations recorded for this year’s edition. He explained that the initiative is designed to promote athletics, discover young talents and position Ekiti State as a destination for sports and tourism.
Araoye also announced plans to sponsor outstanding Ekiti athletes to international competitions, providing them with opportunities to gain exposure and improve their performance. He said the initiative goes beyond cash rewards, as athletes from the state who finish among the top ten will also benefit from the sponsorship programme.
“Besides the cash prizes and gift items for the top 10 athletes from Ekiti State, the organisers will also sponsor these athletes to international competitions, where they can compete, gain valuable experience and improve their performances. This is part of our efforts to expose Ekiti athletes to the international stage and give them opportunities to showcase their talents,” Araoye said.
In the elite category, the first, second and third-place finishers received ₦5 million, ₦4 million and ₦2.5 million respectively, while special prizes were presented to outstanding Ekiti indigenes.
Gyang, reflecting on his victory, said the triumph was the reward for determination and improved preparation after finishing fourth at the previous edition. He described the marathon as an important platform for Nigerian athletes to pursue their ambitions and gain valuable exposure.
In the men’s Ekiti indigene category, Adeyemi Tunde finished first, followed by Adetiba Abiodun and Sunday Emmanuel. Arinde Miracle won the women’s indigene category, while Bako Gift and Ademisoye Adesewa finished second and third respectively.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries, including former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni; former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr Abisoye Fagade; and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, among others.
Ikogosi marathon winners
Beyond the competition, the 2026 edition further reinforced the marathon’s growing ambition to become an internationally recognised sporting event, using athletics to drive tourism, youth development and economic opportunities in Ekiti State.
