By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Onyeka Obiedelu of Umuezeani Village of Akwaeze has emerged as the overall winner in the first Akwaeze Marathon Race Competition held at Akwaeze community domiciled in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State being sponsored by Chief Benjamin Onyeka Amalukwue (Dim Maduaburochukwu na Akwaeze).

Obiedelu finished in a time of 55 minutes and 18 seconds to claim the first prize of N250,000 seeing off the challenge from Chibueze Onyene of Uruolu Village who finished second in a time of 55 minutes and 32 seconds to take home the second prize of N100,000 while Chiemelie Elobe of Mgbuwa Village came third in a time of 55 minutes and 43 seconds.

In the female category, Ndidiamaka Eweni of Umuideke Village came tops in a time of 1 hour 25 minutes and 32 seconds for the star prize of N250,000; Chinenye Uzochukwu of Uruolu Village came in on second position to smile home with the prize of N100,000 while Ndirika Okoye finished third to earn the prize of N50,000.

According to Akwaeze Sports Committee, a total of forty athletes comprising of 25 male and 15 females featured in the 20 kilometre marathon race which saw the participants commencing the race from Afor Market Akwaeze traversing through Obeledu, Neni, Akwaeze and concluding at Akwaeze Town Field.

Reacting after the marathon race, Chief Amalukwue informed that the Marathon Race is part of his sponsored ongoing Sports programme for Akwaeze community comprising of marathon, football and traditional wrestling geared towards engaging the youths of Akwaeze community through sports, showcasing their talents as well as serving as a platform for entertainment for the community this festive period.

Chief Amalukwue stated that the Marathon Race has come to stay and will be an annual sports programme for his community which will grow bigger in subsequent editions. The philanthropist turned sports administrator also applauded the participants for showcasing their talents and displaying spirit of sportsmanship while also commending the sports committee for their role in ensuring a hitch free and successful race.

On his part, the Chairman of Akwaeze Sports Committee and Handball Coach, Maduka Okoye eulogized Chief Amalukwue for his support to sports development in Akwaeze and Anaocha LGA, he praised the participants for their fighting spirit and displaying their sporting prowess during the course of the 20-kilometre marathon race.

Highpoints of the occasion was presentation of prize monies to the top three runners of both categories as well as consolation prizes to the other top 10 participants in the marathon race.