The maiden edition of Airtel Ijebu Heritage half marathon was so colourful that it produced so many key personal achievements. As the first marathon in Nigeria to have 3 different routes on different tracks, it produced the youngest runner in Nigeria.
Abigail Ogunbowale, 11, crossed the finish line to loud cheers from the crowd as she became the youngest runner to finish the 21KM race.
Apart from the coach popularly known as Buka T in Ijebu, nobody including Abigael’s mother gave her a chance to complete the race as they trusted her elder sisters.
Meanwhile, the managing Director of Rite Foods, the producer of Bigi, the official beverage for the race, Seleem Adegbuwa, said they are looking forward to making it better next year while donating N250,000 for the 11-year-old girl who finished the race.
Speaking during the event, Adegbuwa said it was a beauty to behold seeing such a girl competing with established stars despite her age and look forward to seeing her getting better.
The Ijebu Heritage Group also donated a sum of N250,000 to her through their member and chairman, the local organizing committee of the marathon, Mr Tunde Odulaja.
The next edition of Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half marathon is scheduled for July 3rd, 2022.