Recently updated on January 18th, 2021 at 08:53 pm
Deborah Pam and Istifanos Peter have emerged winners of the female and male categories respectively in the 11th edition of the Ibadan City Marathon race.
The marathon was organised by West Midland Communications, owners of Splash FM/Lagelu FM radio stations and supported by several other partners.
Deborah Pam, an NSCDC officer (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps), had emerged winner of the female category, having completed the 42 km race in two hours, 58 minutes and 13 seconds.
Deborah Pam became a four-time winner, having emerged winner of the same category in the fifth, seventh and tenth editions of the Ibadan City Marathon race.
Istifanos Peter, who had only emerged runner-up in the male category of the ninth edition, emerged winner after completing the race in two hours, 44 minutes and 36 seconds.
Hudung Gyang and Elizabeth Nuhu Pawa emerged first and second runner-up respectively in the female category.
Danjuma Gyang and Sharabutu Philips emerged first and second runner-up respectively in the male category.
Deborah Pam hinged her victory on discipline and obedience to God, expressing excitement on retaining her champion status of the category in the 11th edition.
In her words:
“When I heard about the race, I was worried because of the injury I was nursing.
I decided to register trusting God on it. I trained for four days and thank God I emerged victorious again.”
She said that the victory was the second in the year, having emerged champion of the female category and sixth overall winner in the Access Marathon race held earlier in Lagos.
Istifanos Peter, the winner in the male category, expressed joy that he emerged victorious in the edition, hinging the success on persistence, endurance and patience.
The duo appreciated the organisers of the race for continually hosting the event, saying their consistency had remained a source of encouragement for them.
The 11th edition of the Ibadan City Marathon race featured Race for a Cause, Artisan race and several other entertaining events like fitness training, cycling, dancing competition and drinking competition.
Raheem Kareem, Mathew Adedigba and Ahmed Oyedele emerged first, second and third respectively in the race for a cause event, with their cash prizes donated to people living with disability, orphans and the vulnerable.
