Kenya, Ethiopia Sweep Top Prizes at Enugu International Marathon
Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes took centre stage at the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday, winning the men’s and women’s 42-kilometre races and claiming the event’s biggest cash prizes.
Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo won the men’s race in 2:23:38, finishing just one second ahead of Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma. Another Ethiopian, Shiferaw Daltiemayo, crossed the line third in 2:23:41. Kipyogo received $15,000, while the second- and third-place finishers earned $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Ethiopia also produced the women’s champion, with Zennebe Aberu completing the marathon in 2:48:40. Negashu Chatiu and Adugna Mahley followed in second and third place, respectively, earning $10,000 and $5,000 alongside Aberu’s $15,000 winner’s prize. Nigerian athletes, however, dominated the men’s 10-kilometre race, with Gang Boyi, Davwi Gyany and Pam Joshua taking the top three positions.
The event drew runners from Nigeria and other African countries, with races starting from Mgbemena and finishing at Michael Okpara Square. Enugu State officials said they intend to raise the standard and expand participation in future editions as the marathon becomes part of the state’s efforts to promote sports, tourism and healthy living.
