Kunle Adewale

Jonathan James of Plateau State and Aminat Adenike of Lagos State emerged champions in the men and women’s categories respectively at the second edition of the Capital City Race held yesterday in Ikeja.

Adenike clocked 35 minutes, 43.73 seconds to clinch the women’s title and the N500,000 prize money, narrowly edging out Plateau State’s Blessing Shambor, who finished second in 35:55.24. Vivian Obadiah, also from Plateau State, completed the podium in 35:43.74.

In the men’s category, James dominated the 10km race with a winning time of 31:00.04, claiming the top prize ahead of fellow Plateau runners Irmiya Dachuny (31:12.40) and Musa Bala (31:54.84).

“I am happy that I am winning this race. I thank God,” James said after his victory.

Adenike, celebrating her maiden victory at the event, expressed delight at representing Lagos State on home soil saying, “I believed in myself that I can compete with anybody.”

The race, which started from Ikeja City Mall and concluded at the AVMCC Field, GRA, Ikeja, attracted even more participants than last year’s maiden edition that drew over 1,000 runners.

Lagos State Sports Commission Technical Director, Uthman Okunnu, praised the improvement in organisation compared to the inaugural event.

“Obviously the first year, there were some teething problems but I will say this time around, it is really a good one but it can be better,” Okunnu said.

“This time around, we had more runners, distribution of medals very seamless, the ceremony very good. And the organisation this time around was great, more sponsors as well.”

Race convener, Oladapo Ajayi revealed ambitious plans to expand the Capital City Race concept beyond Lagos.

“What we want to do is that they don’t even have to come all the way to Lagos. We want to take the capital city race to them,” Ajayi said.

“All the 36 states in Nigeria have their own capital cities. So, we run capital city race in Kaduna, in Asaba, all capital cities.”

Ajayi, who was inspired by his personal passion for running and fitness, expressed satisfaction with the event’s growth.

“We did it last year for the first time, this year again it’s bigger, it’s better, more numbers. It just goes to show you that people are willing to participate, you just need to create something that they would like,” he said.

“Next year again, we’ll be back in Lagos but hopefully next year, I want to do a few more states outside of Lagos so watch out. Capital City is coming to another capital city outside of Lagos.”

Okunnu also acknowledged Plateau State’s dominance, particularly in the women’s category where they claimed two of the three podium positions.

“You really must give it to Plateau because of the altitude of where they’re coming from and at the same time, they train a lot but for Lagos, we are very proud of Aminat who was able to get us on the podium,” Okunnu added.

The event, which received endorsement from the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission, was supported by Planet Bottling Company, makers of Reaktor energy drink, and the Fembol Group.