Kunle Adelabu
Master Augustine Azurike Chimadi, a 25 year- old student of Veterinary, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), on Saturday, November 27, 2021, emerged as the champion of the annual Otunba R.B.O Aroyewun Marathon.
The champion, who came third in the last edition of the race, completed the race in 24:11:65 to become winner this year.
Also, Miss Oyebo Omotayo Elizabeth, a 16 year- old student of Oreyo Senior Grammar School, lgbogbo, came first in the female category with a time of 34:81:27. She came 8th in the female category of the annual Oba Kabir Shotobi Independence Day Mini – Marathon Competition in October this year.
The Otunba Aroyewun marathon race, which featured 29 runners and started at 7.50am at the Adeboruwa palace in Igbogbo, was part of the sporting activities for the celebration of the 33rd Igbogbo Day Celebration.
The marathoners ran from the palace through Awolowo Way, Odofin Road, Igbogbo – Ipakodo Road, Oba Molaja Ogunlewe road, Igbe, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Oreyo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Agarawu junction, back to Awolowo way before terminating the race at the late Otunba Aroyewun’s house directly opposite the Igbogbo ultra –modern park/market .
It race was themed, “A Run For Fitness, A Celebration Of Greatness”.
The first runner – up in the male category was Sunday Simeon, a 15 year-old student of Oreyo Community Senior Grammar School, Igbogbo. He crossed the finishing line in time of 29:38:53, while Owolabi Olatubosun, a 17 year-old student of Elepe Senior Grammar School, Elepe, ran for 28:38:39 to emerge third in the male category.
Miss Akinola Fathia, a 15 year-old student of Oreyo Senior Grammar School, Igbogbo, returned a time of 35:81:27 to come second in the female category while Jimoh Kabira, also a 16 year-student of Elepe Senior Secondary school, Elepe, came third.
Marathoners in the first, second and third positions in both female and male categories were rewarded with cash prizes. So also, those in the fourth to eight position who were given consolation monetary prizes for participation.
The winner, Master Augustine Chimandi, in his remarks, said that the race was a good one but that he was disappointed that the distance was not long as he had expected.
“It was a good race and I really enjoyed myself, only that I was disappointed that the distance was not long as I had expected”, the champion said.
“I actually thought that I still had more distance to cover and I was conserving my strength, unfortunately, I discovered that it was not as long as I imagined.
“All the same, I thank God for the success of the race. Also, for the fact that there is no injury amongst the participants.
“I thank the family that is sponsoring the race and the organizers. Unfortunately, the road was bad and really affected our movement. Because of that, we were not able to perform optimally”, Master Augustine said.
“In all, it was a good race because I came third at the last edition of the race but today, I am the champion”, he said.
The representative of the Aroyewun family, Mrs Abiola Ladega (Nee Aroyewun), congratulated all the contestants for their participation and pledged that next year’s edition will be better.
“I thank you all for coming out to participate in this race and I know that it is not easy at all”, she said while commending the participants.
“This is an annual event in honour of our late father, Otunba Aroyewun and it will continue to be an annual event. We shall strive to make it better every year.
“In next year’s edition, there will be improved prizes for winners and other prizes for participants.
“Once again, I congratulate you all”, she said.
Hon. Taofeek Aroyewun, the President, Council of Maritime Unions and Associations, speaking, also thank the Igbogbo Sports Sub – Committee for the organisation and the particiapnts for coming out to participate in the race.
Speaking with THE IMPACT, Mr Hameed Olalekan Aroewun (HOA), said that the aim of the race is to discover talents that can represent Igbogbo, Ikorodu Division and Lagos State as a whole.
“Our aim of sponsoring this competition is to discover talents, reward winners and honour icons. All these are pointers to the Celebration of Greatness in Igbogbo”, he said.
“We are going to improve on the organisation generally next year. It is a worthwhile event because the community has shown that they really want to see more of the race.
“I thank the Igbogbo Day Committee, the Sports Sub – Committee and above all, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, for his support and the development his reign has brought to Igbogbo”, Mr Aroyewun said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, 2021 Igbogbo Day Sports Sub – Committee, Mr Tolu Faniyi commended the family of Otunba Aroyewun for sustaining the tradition of sponsoring the long distance race.
“We appreciate the family of Otunba Aroyewun for their efforts in engaging the youths through this race. They are also doing this to honour their late father”, Mr Faniyi said.
He told all participants to see themselves as winners because the principle is first about the participation and not the medals.
“We are all winners, especially our esteemed athletes. I commend you for coming out to participate.
“You guys are still young and we look forward to you representing Igbogbo at the divisional, state and national level. You will become ambassadors of Igbogbo”, he said.
