Mathias Gotwen and Charity Agbofure have emerged champions in the 42.19 km men and women categories respectively in the 2025 Ibadan City Marathon.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports the 2025 Ibadan City Marathon race (12th edition) is organised by West Midlands Communications, owners of twin radio stations, Splash FM and Lagelu FM.
Mathias Gotwen clinched victory in the men’s 42.19 km race with a finishing time of 2:35:24, edging out Friday Yohanna, who finished closely behind with 2:35:31 in the men’s category.
The women’s 42.19 km category saw Charity Agbofure dominate with an impressive time of 3:00:02, securing first place, followed by Elizabeth Nuhu Power, who crossed the finish line at 3:08:43.
Mathias Gotwen received a prize of 1.2 million Naira, Agbofure received 800,000 Naira, while Yohanna and Power got 500,000 Naira and 400,000 Naira respectively.
In their separate remarks, Gotwen and Agbofure, from Plateau and Delta states respectively, expressed joy for their victories.
Gotwen thanked his friends, Banky and Agbofure, who encouraged and supported him to participate in the race.
Agbofure expressed joy for emerging as the winner in the women’s category, adding that she had prepared hard for two months to get the results.
The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mrs Wasilat Adegoke, appreciated the organisers, participants and volunteers who made the event a reality.
The Splash FM General Manager (Operations), Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, stated:
“We are happy that eventually the race has returned. The race that the Ibadan people so much cherished. We are glad it came back after a five-year break.
It is about projecting the city of Ibadan and that is why the name changed in 2016 from Splash FM Integrity marathon to Ibadan City Marathon Race.
This follows the pattern of other marathons in the world like the London City Marathon Race.”
NAN also reports that the event featured 5 km race, which saw Adebiyi Fathia, Ojo Anuoluwa and Afigbo Esther emerge first, second and third respectively in the women’s category.
The men’s 5 km category produced another remarkable contest as Abubakar Ayomide, Alabi Olusegun and popular rights activist, Omoyele Sowore came first, second and third respectively.
