Youth Talent Takes Centre Stage At 2026 Isonyin Marathon

A 10-year-old girl emerged as one of the major attractions at the third edition of the Isonyin Marathon in Ogun State on Saturday after finishing third in the Local Female category of the 21-kilometre race.

The young runner competed against considerably older athletes and completed the demanding course with notable stamina and determination, drawing cheers from spectators as she approached the finish line.
Her performance underscored the growing grassroots potential of the marathon, which attracted athletes from Ogun, Delta, Plateau and other parts of Nigeria.

Her father, who doubles as her manager and coach, attributed her performance to regular training, discipline and family support. He also disclosed that her two other daughters were involved in athletics.

Held in the ancient town of Isonyin in Ogun North-East Local Government Area, the marathon, themed “Run for Elevation,” featured four categories Elite Male, Elite Female, Local Male and Local Female with a total prize purse of N14.6 million.

Defending champion Francis James retained his title in the men's category, crossing the finish line in just over an hour. His victory also saw him improve on his previous record of one hour and 10 minutes.

In the women's category, Vivian Obidia of Plateau State emerged as the gold medallist.
The race brought together elite athletes, local runners, sports enthusiasts, community leaders and visitors, further highlighting the event's growing appeal beyond Isonyin.

Speaking at the event, the Saderiren of Isonyin Ilufemiloye, Oba Abdul Rasheed Omotayo Cossy Salami, said the significance of the marathon went beyond the prize money.

The monarch said the event demonstrated the potential of grassroots athletics to inspire young people, promote healthy living and encourage discipline and positive competition.

He urged youths to embrace sports and shun drug abuse and other activities capable of jeopardising their future, while commending the organisers, athletes, sponsors, residents and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.

The founder and Chairman of the MASA Isonyin Marathon, Dr Muideen Adegboega Salami, said the initiative was established to use sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, healthy living, community development and the promotion of Isonyin's cultural heritage.

Salami, who is also President of the MASA Foundation, said the marathon had evolved from a community sporting initiative into an event attracting athletes and visitors from different parts of Nigeria.

He described the 2026 edition as another milestone, citing improved organisation, increased participation and an enhanced prize structure.

According to him, the theme, “Run for Elevation,” reflects the foundation's ambition to position Isonyin as a destination for sports tourism, athletic excellence and sustainable community development.

He said the marathon was part of a broader vision to empower young people, promote healthy living, strengthen community identity and showcase Isonyin's historical and cultural heritage.

Beyond the race itself, the organisers said 10 per cent of the winners' prize money, amounting to ₦1.46 million, would be committed to community development projects in Isonyin.

According to the foundation, ₦500,000 would support an ongoing community project, while the remaining ₦960,000 would be channelled towards the proposed MASA Isonyin Sports Centre.

The proposed sports centre, the foundation said, is intended to form part of its long-term effort to create sustainable opportunities for young people in the community.

The Chairman of Ogun North-East Local Government Area and co-host of the event, Hon. Foluso Badejo, described the marathon as an instrument for community and human development.

Badejo commended the organisers for attracting athletes from Delta, Plateau, Ogun and other parts of the country, while welcoming participants and visitors to Isonyin.

The Chairman of the Day, MIM 2026, Dr AMB Williams Banjo, Chief Executive Officer of BANSEK Production Limited and one of the major sponsors, also commended the peaceful atmosphere in the community.
Banjo said the cordial relationship between businesses and residents demonstrated Isonyin's potential to attract investment and support development.

The event also featured representatives of Nigerian marathon and athletics bodies, sports enthusiasts, community leaders and residents.

As part of efforts to promote the town's identity, the organisers showcased the history and cultural heritage of Isonyin through a historical documentary and commemorative publication.

The Project Director, Yeye Ademola Salami, said the marathon had grown beyond a race into a platform for promoting unity, discovering talent, encouraging healthy living and exposing Isonyin to a wider audience.

The participation and strong performance of the 10-year-old runner brought the grassroots dimension of the competition into sharp focus, highlighting the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to discover and develop their talents.

With its growing participation, substantial prize purse and increasing emphasis on community development, the Isonyin Marathon is positioning itself as an emerging grassroots sporting event in Ogun State.