Shagari wins maiden marathon tourney at Isonyin

Plateau State-born athlete, Adamu Shehu Muazu ‘Shagari’ yesterday and made history in the ancient town of Isonyin, Ogun State as he emerged the winner of the 1st MASA Isonyin Half Marathon. He finished the 21km race in 1:10:52 to defeat Kenya’s John Muiruri who came second with a time of 1:12:39. In the women’s category, […]

Plateau State-born athlete, Adamu Shehu Muazu ‘Shagari’ yesterday and made history in the ancient town of Isonyin, Ogun State as he emerged the winner of the 1st MASA Isonyin Half Marathon.

He finished the 21km race in 1:10:52 to defeat Kenya’s John Muiruri who came second with a time of 1:12:39.

In the women’s category, Hawawu Haruna breasted the tape ahead of her rivals, finishing with a time of 1:23:52. Charity Agofure and Fadekemi Olude finished in the second and third positions in 1:24:29 and 1:30:39 respectively.

The performance of 11-year-old Abigael Ogunbowale drew attention from the crowd as she finished in the sixth position.

Isonyin indigenes finished inside the top ten in both the men’s and women’s categories. Isonyin is a town in Ogun State.

The winner, Shagari noted that the presence of elite runners in Isonyin was a morale booster for the homegrown runners.

The Oba of Isonyin, Oba Abdulrasheed Omotayo Salami, Ilufemiloye 1, said aside from announcing Isonyin to the global sports world, the marathon will bring a lot of development to Isonyin land and other adjourning communities.

Over N750,000 as well as other consolation prizes were shared among the runners.