Kenya Dominates Maiden Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon
Kenyans dominated the maiden Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon with Sandra Chebet taking gold in the women’s category in a time of 1:10:42, while Ethiopians Gebaynesh Ayele and Beyenu Degefa took second and third position respectively at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
Adele finished in a time of 1:10:52, while Degefa finished in a time of 1:11:02. 11-year-old Abigail Ogunbowale made history as the youngest participant to complete the 21km race.
In the men’s category, Kenyan athlete Hosea Kiplimo won the gold medal in the 12km race. He finished the race in 1:02:36, while his counterpart, Rhonzas Kilimo finished second in 1:02:57. The third position went to another Kenyan, Timothy Ronoh, who raced to the finish line in 1:02:59.
The first Ijebu man to finish the race was Femi Olusanya, a police officer from Ijebu Ode, who promised to do better in the next edition.
Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian.
