Top winners have emerged at the inaugural edition of the 10km Surulere Marathon, tagged the ‘LERE FUNATHON,’ held on Saturday, August 17. The event saw over 500 athletes, both male and female, primarily from the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, compete for top honours.
Athletes who secured a podium finish in both the male and female categories of the 10km Surulere Marathon shared in the N3.5 million prize pool, as announced by the organisers ahead of the event.
In the men’s category, David Dapdil clinched victory, crossing the finish line in 32 minutes and 58 seconds, earning the top prize of N1,000,000. Eniola Shaba came in a close second with a time of 33 minutes and 25 seconds, taking home N500,000, while Clinton Amara secured third place with a time of 33 minutes and 36 seconds, winning N250,000.
The women’s race was equally competitive, with Joy David taking the top spot, finishing in 37 minutes and 42 seconds to claim the N1,000,000 prize. Charity Agbofure’s time of 38 minutes and 66 seconds earned her the silver medal and N500,000, while Esther Affigbo finished third in 39 minutes and 37 seconds, taking home N250,000.
The 10km marathon, which is part of the larger ‘LERE FUNATHON,’ was organised by UB40 Sports Marketing and Starlite Sports Marketing, with support from the Surulere Local Government Area and the Lagos State Sports Commission.
Surulere LGA Chairman Sulaimon Yusuf reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuing the event and pledged N1 million to the winner, N500,000 to the second-placed runner, and N250,000 to the third-placed runner in both the male and female categories.
“It is our delight to partner with the organisers of this event. We expect our runners to be as ready as possible.”
Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, highlighted that the initiative could inspire the birth of marathon races in other local government areas of the state. “This is another program that is very dear to the Lagos State Sports Commission because it further drives community cohesion and a healthy lifestyle. It will be an event that brings together everyone from all parts of Nigeria who live in Surulere.”
Sola Lawson, Chairman of the local organising committee, expressed his eagerness to make the event an annual fixture in Surulere and Lagos State.
