23 February 2009
Kibet, Kiplagat win Glo Lagos Half Marathon
Kenya’s Kibet Luke and Lornah Kiplagat of the Netherlands out-classed over 20, 000 other runners to win the men and women top prize money of $50, 000 (about N7. 5m) each at the 2nd Glo-Lagos International Half Marathon. The race which was flagged off at the Alaka Bus Stop in Surulere ended at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Onikan. Stephen Jurbe from Kaduna State was the first Nigerian male runner to arrive the finish point while Mary Akor, a US-based Nigerian from Benue State finished ahead of all Nigerian female runners. Both went home with brand new KIA Picanto cars.
The race sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom had over 40 elite athletes from Kenya , Uganda , Ethiopia , Rwanda , Ghana , South Africa and the Netherlands . Mr. Adewale Sangowawa, the Executive Director, Human Resources of Globacom said the company was very happy that Nigerians have embraced the Glo-Lagos International Half Marathon, saying “we are impressed by the turn-out, it was tremendous and goes to show that awareness for healthy living is high amongst Nigerians”
The race was flagged off by the Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, who represented the State Governor, Barrister Babatunde Raji Fashola. He described the Glo-Lagos International Half Marathon as an important event in the realization of the new Lagos vision. “Globacom has identified with the people and government of Lagos State by sponsoring this major event that is contributing to the realisation of the new Lagos which His Excellency, Governor Fashola is driving. The company has given the people of Lagos an opportunity to enjoy themselves today and this is commendable”, Adele declared.
Kiplagat, a world record holder in 5000m and 10, 000m described the race as one of her best and commended Globacom, the sponsor, for providing an opportunity for Africans to compete in a big race on the continent. Kiplagat, a Kenyan who is married to a Dutch said she believes that her participation in the race will motivate younger Nigerian girls to pursue careers in athletics.
“This is an excellent race, indeed, my very best race because everything has worked out so well and I won the race. With my achievements in athletics, I believe I am a role model for young African girls just like Globacom is a model for other companies in Africa”, Kiplagat said shortly after winning the race.
Describing the Glo-Lagos International Half Marathon as the second biggest in the world in terms of the size of the prize money, Kiplagat promised to return for the next edition. “It has been beautiful in Nigeria despite the harsh weather which made the race a bit difficult. All the same, I am looking forward to the next edition and will certainly participate if I am invited”, said Kiplagat.
The race took off about 7. 40am and after a false start by over 2000 runners. The organisers did a marvellous work of bringing all the stray runners back to the beautifully designed gantry.
Returning a time of 1.07. 49, Kibet defeated Ethiopia ’s Tsegaye Kebele to the second place. Kebele, who was earlier introduced to the media by World 10, 000m men’s Champion, Haile Gebreselassie as his protégé finished in 1. 08. 52. Another Kenyan, Kiprono Kipyefo Nixon finished third in 1. 09. 14. “I am very happy to win this race, it was a very difficult race but my determination made the difference”, Kibet said at a post-race interview. He commended the other runners whom he said gave him a good push to run.
In the women’s category, Hilda Kibet of the Netherlands and Gakunyi Jane of Kenya finished second and third respectively and received cash prizes of $25, 000 and $15, 000 respectively. A total of $210, 000 was won by the athletes who finished in the first five positions for the men and women.
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Other News Headlines
Glo Lagos marathon to be listed as world event
Glo begins preparation for 3rd Lagos International Half Marathon
Lagos pledges full support for Glo Lagos International Half Marathon
