The inaugural Osetoba Marathon drew more than 80 athletes to Emure-Ekiti over the weekend, highlighting grassroots sports development in the state.
The two-day event opened Friday with orientation, a route tour and athlete screening. The main 10-kilometer race took place Saturday, starting and finishing at the Elemure’s palace.
Before the race, His Royal Majesty, the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, joined chiefs and dignitaries in a novelty run. He praised the initiative and urged more attention to the town’s sports development.
Ozigi Isaac, wearing number 20, finished first, followed by Emmanuel Ojo and John Monday. Abegunde Abiola was the first female finisher.
The winner received ₦250,000, with ₦150,000 for second place and ₦100,000 for third. The first female finisher also received ₦100,000. Competitors placing fourth through 16th shared prizes ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦20,000. Oluwaseyifunmi Phones provided power banks to podium finishers and the women’s winner.
Isaac, who previously focused on football, said the race opened a new path for him. “This race has redirected my path. If I channel the same zeal I have for football into athletics, the horizon is bright,” he said, commending organizers.
Dr. Olusola Osetoba, who sponsored the marathon, said it was her way of giving back to her hometown while supporting Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s grassroots sports agenda.
“This is not a one-off event,” Osetoba said. “It is a seed that will strengthen the future of sports in Ekiti.”
The people of the town said the success of the marathon has set a foundation for Emure-Ekiti to become a recurring stop on the state’s sporting calendar.
