Benjamin Gbadebo of Brightsville College Ibadan has won the maiden edition of Radio Nigeria Premier FM Ibadan 5 kilometers kiddies marathon for the male category.
Benjamin finished the race in 11 minutes, 16 seconds to emerge winner ahead of Femi Adeduntan also of Brightsville College Ibadan, who got to the finished line in 11 minutes, 26 seconds.
Pelumi Akintayo of Loyola College Ibadan came third, finishing in 11 minutes, 27 seconds.
For the female category, Rodiat Abdulkareem of Brightsville College Ibadan emerged winner, finishing in 11 minutes 57 seconds, Christiana Ayanbunmi of Brightsville College Ibadan came second, while Peace Ogundeji of Brightsville College Ibadan emerged third.
Speaking after the race, the General Manager, Premier FM Ibadan, Mr Adedamola Tinubu said the aim of organizing the race was to discover young talents and also to meaningfully engage the children.
Mr Tinubu said the marathon, which was part of activities to mark this year’s children’s day, would not be a one off event, but would be held periodically.
In an interview, Chairman on the occasion, who is a Sports Philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Group Of Companies, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde commended Radio Nigeria Premier FM Ibadan for deeming it fit to organize the marathon.
Ambassador Ayinde added that organizing events such as the marathon would go a long way to reducing social vices in the country.
Our correspondent reports that 33 students, comprising 25 males and 8 females participated in the race, which was supervised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN Oyo State council, personnel of the Federal Road Safety corps and the Nigeria Police Force.
He further reported that medals were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in both categories, while each participant received a gift.
Also, medical personnel from the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan and Red Cross were on ground for the event.
Meanwhile, a get together was organized at the Iyaganku gra premises of Premier FM where the children were engaged in various recreational activities.
