Musa James Francis and Esther Affigbo have emerged champions at the 2025 MASA Isonyin Marathon (21-kilometre race).
In the men’s category, Musa James Francis delivered a spectacular performance, crossing the finish line in 1:09:00.34 to clinch the ₦1.5 million first prize.
He was closely followed by Boyi Gyang James with a time of 1:09:38.69, earning ₦1 million, while Sadjo Ismael secured third place in 1:10:02.06, receiving ₦750,000.
For the women, Esther Affigbo from Abia State, who is based in Plateau, stunned spectators with an impressive 1:21:49.05 to emerge champion in her debut appearance at the marathon.
Shambor Blessing Solomon clocked 1:22:15.61 to finish second, while Akusho Lydia Thomas came third at 1:22:57.17.
An excited Affigbo, who also competes internationally, expressed her joy after the win, statimg:
“This is my first time running here, and I’m grateful to God for the strength to win,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I train with most of these runners, so I knew I had a real chance.”
The annual race, themed “Running for Exposure”, is powered by the MASA Foundation and founded by U.S.-based philanthropist Muideen Adegboyega Salami (MASA), who addressed the crowd from his base in California.
Mr. Salami, whose birthday coincided with the event, stated:
“This marathon is more than a race; it’s about giving opportunities to young people and putting Isonyin on the global map.”
The 2025 edition enjoyed the support of prominent philanthropists, including Ibilola Solaja, a renowned rice merchant and respected figure from Ijebu Igbo, who donated the female first-prize purse of N1.5 million, and Tony Sokan, who sponsored the men’s top prize.
According to Ibilola Solaja:
“Supporting initiatives like this is an investment in the youth. Sports inspire discipline and hope, and we must all rally behind platforms that empower our people.”
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, who flagged off the race at the Saderiren’s Palace, praised the organisers even as he committed to working with the organisers to make it even bigger.
