Kenya, Ethiopia dominate 2026 Enugu International Marathon

Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominated the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon on Saturday, winning the top prizes in the 42-kilometre men’s and women’s categories.

The annual marathon event – which was held for the first time in 2025 – drew athletes and spectators across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

The Sahara Reporters publisher and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, made a surprise appearance at the marathon, taking part in the 10-kilometre men’s category.

The 10-kilometre and 42-kilometre races commenced from the Mgbemena Area of Enugu and ended at the Michael Okpara Square in the Independence Layout Area of the state.

In the men’s 42-kilometre category, Kenya’s Edwin Kipyogo emerged winner after completing the race within two hours, 23 minutes and 38 seconds.

Ethiopia’s Habtamu Girma finished second in two hours, 23 minutes and 39 seconds, while his compatriot, Shiferaw Daltiemayo, placed third in two hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds.

The top three winners – Kipyogo, Girma and Daltiemayo- received cash prizes of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

At the inaugural Enugu City International Marathon in 2025, Kenya’s Koros Ken won the 42-kilometre category, going home with a $15,000 prize.

The 2026 winner of the 42-kilometre men’s category, Kipyogo, said Nigeria’s weather was instrumental to his victory at the marathon.

“The weather has been very good. The humidity was not that high. So that was why we ran very well,” he told reporters.

Ethiopia leads in Women’s category

In the women’s 42-kilometre category, Ethiopia’s Zennebe Aberu emerged winner, finishing the race within two hours, 48 minutes and 40 seconds.

Another Kenyan woman, Negashu Chatiu, finished…