Abraham Kiprotich of France has won the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 42km race in an unconfirmed record time of 2:15:04.

Herpha Guta of Ethiopia also won the women’s edition of the race. She did it in 2hrs38mins. Both won $50,000 dollars each for their efforts.

Kiprotich, who is Kenya-born, has now won two marathons in succession. He also won last November the 39th Istanbul Marathon, which covered 46 kms.

Participants defied an early morning rain to run in the race which started at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rain which started at about 5 a.m. did not hinder participants who turned out in their thousands to participate.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who was at the starting point reports that participants were seen walking to the National Stadium.

Kareem Areola, 18, said the rain was not a hindrance to him.

“As you can see, a lot of people are under the rain enjoying themselves and I am also doing the same,” he said.

A student, Margaret Chime, 32, said that the rain was not heavy enough to dissuade participants.

“The turnout is impressive in spite of the rain because a lot of people are determined to participate,” he said.

Another student, Jimoh Ajibade, 14, said there was no way he could have missed the race because of the rain.

“I was here last year and I enjoyed myself and there is no way I would have missed it this year, so that is why I am here,” he said.

NAN reports that over 100,000 people participated in the IAAF Bronze Label Race which offers 208,000 dollars for grabs.

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