Sadio, Akusho win 2021 Bigi Abeokuta Marathon race

Cross River’s Ismael Sadio has emerged as the champion of Bigi Abeokuta Marathon race held yesterday. He returned a time of 31: 03: 81 to hit his first-ever win at a marathon major. In the women’s race, Plateau runners took the prime positions as Rose Akusho, with 36: 33: 30, once again won, thus completing […]

Cross River’s Ismael Sadio has emerged as the champion of Bigi Abeokuta Marathon race held yesterday.

He returned a time of 31: 03: 81 to hit his first-ever win at a marathon major.

In the women’s race, Plateau runners took the prime positions as Rose Akusho, with 36: 33: 30, once again won, thus completing a record three wins in Nigerian marathons.

Her compatriots, Vera Yohanna, came second with a time of 37:10:10, while Patience Dalyop came third with 37:04:02.

For the Male wheelchair race, Sefiu Ojeleye took the first position, Jelili Akanni came second, while Shola Opaleye emerged third.

The female wheelchair race had Olajumoke Olajide, Chika Enwerem, Nofisat Adefala in first, second and third positions, respectively.

The winner of the 10km race, Sadio, a first-time winner in any organised marathon, told the News  Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was a dream come true, as he had to relocate from Calabar to Plateau to prepare for the race.

“For me, having any chance at winning any marathon and dislodge the Plateau runners involved sacrifice as I had to relocate to Plateau to run along with the indigenes. This is a huge honour for me because I can see the reward for my sacrifice,” he said.

For Akusho, the winner of the female race, it is familiar terrain for her as she had been running since she was just 11 years old.