Joy Abiye of Ondo State returned a time of 33:41:4 to win the just concluded 10km Lagos Women Run 2021 in Lagos, receiving a cash prize of N1 million.

The event, in its 6th edition, saw no fewer than 50,000 women from all over the world registering for the event, which flagged-off at exactly 7.00am at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, and culminated at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.

Medical checkups were conducted for the athletes before they started, including aerobic warm-ups, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.

The front runners began arrived the finish line at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, to be met by passionate fans and a medical team that whisked them off the track.

The finish point at the Arena also had a dance section, where the athletes were conveyed and treated to light refreshments before the final presentations.

Mary Osagie of Edo State came second with a time of 34:06:03, while Haruna Hawa of Lagos State came third with a time of 34:33:06.

Osagie was awarded ₦500,000, while Hawa received ₦300,000 for coming third, as other participants were awarded consolation prizes by the sponsors and certificates of participation. Other women who could not come to Lagos participated in the event virtually.

The winner of the race, Abiye expressed her happiness, praising the organisers for a successful race, yet again.

“I’m so grateful I came first in this edition, I worked hard for this and I’m glad it turned out well, so I give thanks to God Almighty.

“I commend the organisers and the sponsors, indeed, it has been a worthwhile experience I hope to come back stronger next year,” she said.

Second place Osagie spoke of her pride for participating in the event, saying, “For me I am grateful to God Almighty for the victory indeed to come second is a great achievement, I look forward to the next edition.”

Haruna Hawa said that she was very proud of her performance. “Indeed it was a fun marathon and I am proud to come out third at the end.”

Tayo Popoola, the General Coordinator, told reporters that she was proud of how the Lagos Women’s Run had turned out to be a big event, amidst many marathon events globally.

"We are where we are today because of the dedication and commitment of the brains behind the run, the committee members who gave it all with no half measures.

“Our sponsors have been so magnanimous as they continue to support us with treasured backing that has kept us going.

“The Lagos state government has been rock solid behind us, their parental role over the years and have been our mainstay,”Popoola said.

In a related event, the. Veteran women’s category race was won by Janet Dung of Plateau who carted home a cash prize of ₦300,000, while Comfort Ekanem of Akwa-Ibom won ₦200,000 in second place and Ladi Henryjah of Plateau placed third to win ₦100,000.

The closing ceremony was graced by the Lagos First Lady, Dr.(Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor,, Mrs Olufemi Hamzat.

She poured encomiums on the organisers and sponsors and congratulated the participants for making the marathon a successful.

“Indeed it is a notable event for the well being of women. I congratulate the women who participated and showcased healthy living and sustainable exercise.