In the Men's 42-Kilometre Race, Kenya's Edwin Kipyogo Won in Two Hours, 23 Minutes and 38 Seconds

Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes swept the top prizes at the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, dominating the 42-kilometre men's and women's categories in Enugu, Nigeria. Runners from across Nigeria and other African countries took part in the event, with the 10-kilometre and 42-kilometre races starting at the Mgbemena area of Enugu and finishing at Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu. In the men's 42-kilometre race, Kenya's Edwin Kipyogo won in two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds.

Ethiopia's Habtamu Girma finished second in two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds, while compatriot Shiferaw Daltiemayo placed third in two hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds. The top three received cash prizes of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Ethiopia's Zennebe Aberu won the women's 42-kilometre category in two hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds.

Negashu Chatiu finished second in three hours, three minutes and 18 seconds, and Adugna Mahley came third in three hours, six minutes and 32 seconds, earning the same prize amounts. Nigerians dominated the 10-kilometre races. Gang Boyi, Davwi Gyany and Pam Joshua took the top three spots in the men's race, while Patience Daylop, Vivien Obadiah and Favour Mwantiyi finished first, second and third in the women's race.

Presenting prizes, Deputy Governor of Enugu State Ifeanyi Ossai congratulated all athletes. He said the state government was committed to making Enugu a welcoming destination for residents, businesses, visitors and tourists, and that the marathon showed its determination to position the state as a major hub for sports, tourism and investment. "When I arrived, they wanted me to do a symbolic crossing of the road, but I figured it would be disrespectful to those of you that participated in the race.

I shouldn't take your glory by simply jogging across your line. So, for all of you that took the pains and endured the marathon, I say a very big congratulations," he said. Ossai noted that over the last three years the government had worked to restore Enugu's position as a pivotal destination in the Southeast and Nigeria.

He said the marathon demonstrated readiness to welcome businesses, create opportunities for young people and expand tourism potential, and pledged to improve the event's organisation and standards. He urged participants to return for future editions and commended the sponsors and stakeholders who contributed to the marathon's success.