31-year-old athlete wins Enugu Varsity’s 2024 marathon

Posted : 13 November 2024

A 31-year-old athlete, Chukwuebuka Onyia, has won Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI)’s 2024 marathon, organized for non-professional athletes in Enugu State.

Onyia, who hails from Udi Council Area of Enugu State, won the race by finishing ahead of other contestants with a time of 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 11 seconds.

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He received the N500,000 prize for the 22-kilometer marathon, which began at 7:20 a.m. from the entrance gate of the Omnium Sanctorum Chaplaincy at the university's Thinkers Corner.

The race route took contestants along the Emene Old Road and concluded at the university’s main campus in Ugwuomu Nike, Enugu.

Chukwu Francis, 34, and Clinton Ogbuagu, 35, finished in distant 2nd and 3rd positions and were rewarded with N200,000 and N100,000, respectively.

In the female category, Miss Esther Atigbo won the race, reaching the finish line in 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 5 seconds.

She also received N500,000, while 16-year-old Happiness Eze from Queens of the Rosary Secondary School, Nsukka, and Genevieve Odinaka finished in 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.

They were awarded N200,000 and N100,000 for their achievements.

The 4th to 20th positions in both categories received consolation prizes of N20,000 each, and a 60-year-old participant among them received N50,000.

Presenting the prizes to the winners, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Rev. Fr. Christian Anieke, said the event was part of the institution’s efforts to develop young people and discover talent.

He remarked that Nigerian youths are talented but need support to excel in their various areas of interest, stating, “From what I witnessed today, I saw young athletes who can compete with athletes from Kenya and Tanzania.

“Imagine girls aged 12 to 16 finishing a marathon. With proper support, they could achieve amazing things,” the Vice Chancellor added.

While pledging to promote young talent to help them achieve their dreams, Anieke explained that he opened the marathon to participants outside the university to give youths a chance to showcase their skills.

He commended the participants for demonstrating their talents, skills, and abilities, and noted that the marathon was part of the events planned for the university’s 12th convocation, scheduled for Nov. 16.

One of the marathon's sponsors, Mr. Nnamdi Ozo, CEO of Tribu Groups, said his support for the event was a way of giving back to society.

“I am impressed with their performances. I know there are youths out there who can showcase their talents if given the opportunity,” he said.

Upon receiving his cash prize, Onyia thanked Anieke for organizing the race, saying it was his first time winning a marathon.

“I have talent in athletics but need support from Nigerians,” he appealed.

31-year-old athlete wins Enugu Varsity’s 2024 marathon

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