Abeokuta 10km Race winners praise organisers after ₦6m prize payout

ABEOKUTA (Made In Africa Sport) – The winners and podium finishers at the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race have praised the organisers after six athletes shared $4,500 in prize money, equivalent to ₦6.075m at an exchange rate of ₦1,350 to the dollar.

Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo won the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the fifth edition of the race, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday.

James won the men’s race in 30:25.33, finishing ahead of Ilya Raymond, who clocked 30:38.06, while Gyang Sunday took third place in 30:47.00.

Raymond received $750 for second place, while Sunday collected $500.

In the women’s race, Akanbi finished first in 35:00.69, ahead of Bulus Mary Jah in 35:58.71 and Nwantiyi Teyei Davou in 36:03.09.

Akanbi and James each received $1,000 for their victories, taking the total prize money shared by the six podium finishers to $4,500.

James said the victory was a reward for his preparation and hard work, while also acknowledging the organisers for providing a platform for athletes to compete.

“I’m very happy with the victory. It feels good to see all the hard work and preparation pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, and I want to appreciate the organisers for putting together such a good race and giving athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves,” he said, according to PeakPlay Media.

Raymond was also pleased with his performance and praised the race for creating an opportunity for athletes to test themselves.

“I’m glad and excited to have been a winner. It feels really good to see all the effort and preparation pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, and I want to appreciate the organisers for putting together a race that gives athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves,” he said.

Sunday, who completed the men’s podium, said he was pleased to finish among the leading athletes and expressed hope that the race would continue to grow.

“I’m just happy to be one of the people to grace the podium. It is a good feeling to finish among the top athletes, especially in a race like this. I appreciate the organisers for giving us the opportunity to compete, and I hope this initiative continues to grow and attract even more athletes in the years ahead,” he said.

Akanbi leads women’s field

Akanbi also praised the organisers after claiming the women’s title, saying the victory made the preparation worthwhile.

“I am very happy to have won the women’s race. It was not easy, but I am glad that all the hard work paid off. I commend the organisers for creating this opportunity and for the effort they put into making the race a success. I hope the Abeokuta 10km Race continues to grow and gives more athletes the chance to compete at this level,” she said.

More than 3,000 participants took part in the fifth edition, which started at Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and finished at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.

The race featured five water stations, fruit points and medical and security arrangements along the route, while a post-race concert was held at the finish area.

Abeokuta 10km Race organisers promise continued growth

Managing director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, said the response to this year’s race reflected the growing interest in road running in the country.

“We are delighted with the outcome of this year’s Abeokuta 10km Race. The quality, organisation and enthusiasm shown by the participants have once again demonstrated what can be achieved when everyone comes together.

“We appreciate the Ogun State Government, our sponsors, partners and everyone who contributed to making this race a colourful and successful event. Nilayo Sports Management Limited will continue to uphold the class and quality that the company is known for,” Olopade said.

She thanked the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners including Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, 7UP and Aquafina.

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