Kenya’s Barmasai Tumo set a new record after finishing the 42km in two hours, 10 minutes and 23 seconds at the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Tumo claim the first prize of $50,000 break the marathon’s four-year record, Ethiopia’s Debeko Dakamo came in 2nd in 2:10:55 to claim the cash prize of $40,000, with Paul Chege also from Kenya finishing 3rd in 2:11:23 seconds for the cash prize of $30,000.
Barmasai Tumo told newsmen that the weather aided him to perform well at the marathon.
He revealed that breaking the record was not part of his intentions when he arrived for the marathon event.
“I am very happy to have made this very good record in Lagos and I hope that I will come next year to continue to break more records.
“I didn’t come to Nigeria for the records, I just wanted to compete, though I had my sight on the top prize, but breaking the record time of the last winner is something I now cherish, I am very happy to be
“The weather for today is a perfect one; this is the exact one I wish we have so that we can have more improvement in Lagos Marathon. the winner of this race.
Tumo said, “I trained very hard in Kenya, I wake up as early as possible to build on my strength because I know I am coming to Nigeria to face Champions from different countries, it was not easy as you all saw, but I am glad I made it happen”.
Kenya’s Barmasai Tumo got an extra $20,000 for breaking the record.
Last year, Ethiopia’s Sintayehu Legese won the Lagos City Marathon in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 28 seconds, while Kenyan-French runner, Abraham Kiprotich won the 2018 edition in 2:13:04 seconds. 2017 edition saw Abraham Kiptum of Kenya defended his title in 2:15:20secs after finishing the 2016 edition in 2:16:21 seconds.
In the women’s category, Sharon Cherop emerged as the first athlete to finish the 42km race in 02:31:40 seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Kebene Urisa and Rodah Jepkorir, who finished in second and third place respectively.
