Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Joy Abiye, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Lagos Women Run race finishing in 39.13.78 seconds.
This will be the second time the Ondo State indigene, Abiye, is winning the competition, having won the 2021 edition of the 10km race starting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) down to the finish point, Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium) on Lagos Island, Abiye received a cash prize of N1.5 million.
Deborah Pam came second in 39.22.73 seconds and received a N500,000 cash prize, while Patience Dalyop claimed the third position with 40.02.08 seconds,and received N300,000 cash reward.
Abiye, who won the open run category, linked her victory to her continuous training, preparation, hard work, and dedication despite the effects of the economic hardship on citizens.
She expressed happiness and lauded the organisers for a successful race and a platform for her to showcase her talent and strength, while promising to come out victorious in the next edition.
For the veteran category, Helen Mamman emerged as the winner and received a N300,000 cash prize, while Paul Blessing, who came in second, got an N200,000 prize.
The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, said that from being a symbolic fitness call to women, the Lagos women road race has grown to become a competitive promotional platform that showcases the physical attributes and qualities of the female gender.
He encouraged and commended all the women who contributed in various ways to make the race a success, as well as those who have determined to be overcomers regardless of what life throws at them.
The coordinator of Lagos Women Run, Mrs. Temitayo Popoola, commended the winners of the two categories as well as those that represented different organisations, sports groups, and individuals.
She said the yearly road race showcases the spirit of Lagos while celebrating women’s empowerment, strength, self-discovery, and determination, as well as valuing and celebrating every woman’s journey.