Joy David Defeats Cameroon’s Nguesta To Retain Lagos Women Marathon Title

Nigeria’s Joy David produced an impressive performance to win the 2024 Lagos Women Run Marathon ahead of Cameroon’s Liliane Nguesta, and Charity Ogofure.

She recorded a time of 38:35:21, while Nguesta earned a time of 40:02:54, and Ogofure finished third with a time of 40:09:23.

David was in her best elements to retain the title she won in 2023.

The race started at the Tafawa Balewa Square and ended at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Onikan.

David, who is an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was delighted to retain the title, which she also won in 2021.

She said: “I am so happy and excited. I came to try again but somehow, I won again. I give glory to God,”

The coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, revealed that the 9th edition was exciting, and hailed the participants for gracing the event.

He said, “We saw women from all parts of the country, we received international runners, some even joined our volunteer team and more importantly, I was happy with the training and EXPO, where many participants gained so much on things they could do to better their lives in various aspects.

“The race itself was the icing on the cake, the fun was all through from Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. I thank the Lagos state government for their support together with our sponsors.”

Similarly, The Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, hailed the runners for their endurance in the 10km race.

He said, “Everybody knows that we have Lagos City Marathon, which is a mix of race. But, this one is dedicated to strong, inspirational and important women in Lagos state coming together to run.

“A run intended to foster community bondness, create fun and growth for those who are ready to impact the society in a positive way; that is why we are fully behind the race.

“We have people from different areas of development in the society coming together to run under an atmosphere of peace and unity.

“There’s so much in our drive in terms of promoting fitness, everything related to sports. We are also moving into the terrain of sports entertainment as well.

“While people are running, they are also having fun and are excited.”

Victorious David received a prize of N1.5m for her efforts, Nguesta received N500,000 while 2nd runner-up Ogofure went home with N300,000.

In the Veteran Category, Janet Dung, won the gong with the time of 47:45, while Katrine Darare from Latvia emerged second with the time of 52:56 and Otonye Iworima won the third place run with the time of 64:50.

The winners of the Veteran Category got N300.000 cash prize, N200.00 and N100.000 respectively.

All participants received certificate of participation, products from sponsors and goody bags.