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Seasoned long distance runner and the winner of the 2018 Access Bank Lagos Marathon, Rose Akusho, has once again shown off her distance prowess as she dominated the Lagos Women’s Run to emerge the winner of the ₦500,000 cash prize.

The 21-year old was on a class of her own throughout the race — putting a distance of about 10 meters between herself and other runners to finish in a race record time of 34:35:02.

Akusho, who was quite excited about her well fought win, told GongNews, that her performance was mainly due to her long-term training ahead of the race on Saturday, November 10, 2018.

“Immediately I registered for the Lagos Run, which was my first time, my coach in Plateau state drew up a training programme for me which I followed strictly weeks to the race. I arrived in Lagos one week to the race to get used to the weather in Lagos and the route. The result is my victory. I am very happy for winning this 10 kilometers race in just my first time of participation”

— Akusho

Still in the Open race category, Hudung Gyang finished second in a time of 35:41:22 to win the ₦300,000 prize, while Monica Ezekiel finished in third place in 36 minutes 3 seconds to win ₦200,000.

Charity Agbofure (36:09:50) and Dunatu Donatos (36:39:49), both finished in fourth and fifth place respectively to claim the ₦100,000 and ₦50,000 consolation prize money.

In the Veteran category for runners aged 45 to 70 years, Genevieve Njoku raced to the finish line first to win the ₦200,000 prize money.

South Africa’s Barene Vankorichbesa, followed after to win the ₦150,000 prize, while Karim Bolanle came in third and was given the ₦100,000 prize for her effort.

Runners who finished their race in top 10 in both categories were awarded cash prizes, while all the runners who participated in the race were each given a commemorative medal.