Kenya man wins Lagos City Marathon after several unsuccessful attempts

Kenyan runner Bernard Sang proved that hard work and persistence eventually pays off when he won the 2024 Lagos City Marathon after several unsuccessful attempts on Saturday, February 10. 

Sang, who is expected to celebrate his 43rd birthday later this week, clocked 2:16.49 to lead Kenyans to a clean podium sweep.

He was followed by Silas Cheprot and Godfrey Birger, who crossed the finishing line in 2:16.54 and 2:17.43 respectively. 

This was Sang’s third attempt in the World Athletics Gold Label Marathon having finished 9th in 2020 and third last year.

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Sang is expected to pocket an appetizing $50,000 which is subject to the tax procedure. On the other hand, Cheprot and Birger will receive $40,000 and $30,000 each for their brave performance in the streets of Nigeria’s largest city.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Chala Kebene showed nerves of steel in the race which was held in unfavorable weather conditions to emerge victorious.

Chala, who has a personal best of 2.26.39, clocked a slow time of 2:41.01 to secure the top prize. She had registered a second-place position in 2023 editions.

The 2018 Nanjing Marathon winner was closely followed by fellow country woman Ruti Aga with Kenya’s Sharon Cherop settling for a third position. Aga and Cherop clocked 2:41.41 and 2:42.00 respectively.

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Elsewhere, Kenya’s Wilfred Kigen clocked a personal best time of 2:08.37 to win the 2024 Riyadh marathon title. 

He was followed by Ethiopia’s Geshahun Tilahun (2:08.50) and Morocco’s El Ghouz Anouar (2:10.37).

Ethiopians had a field day in the women’s category with Bedatu Badane (2:27.21) leading her compatriots Nigist Desta (2:27.51) and Jebesa Fikadu (2:28.43) to secure  all the top three positions. 

2024 Lagos City Marathon top three finishers

Men’s category

Bernard Sang - 2:16.49 (Kenya)

Silas Cheprot - 2:16.54 (Kenya)

Godfrey Birger - 2:17.43 (Kenya)

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Women’s category

Chala Kebene - 2:41.01 (Ethiopia)

Ruti Aga - 2:41.41 (Ethiopia)

Sharon Jemutai Cherop - 2:42.00 (Kenya) 

2024 Riyadh Marathon top three finishers

Men’s category

Wilfred Kigen - 2:08.37 (Kenya)

Geshahun Tilahun - 2:08. 50 (Ethiopia)

El Ghouz Anouar - 2:10.37 (Kenya)

Women’s category

Bedatu Badane - 2:27.21 (Ethiopia)

Nigist Desta - 2:27.51 (Ethiopia)

Jebesa Fikadu - 2:28.43 (Ethiopia)

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