The 2026 Ilese Day celebrations got off to an energetic start as athletes from across Ogun State lined up for the annual 18-kilometre marathon race, with defending champion Muhammed Ayomide of Ikene Local Government Area once again proving why he remains the man to beat.

Ayomide successfully defended his title after completing the demanding course in 1 hour and 8 minutes, finishing ahead of a competitive field to claim back-to-back victories in one of the highlights of the annual community festival.

His latest victory is more than just another first-place finish. It adds another remarkable chapter to a marathon journey that has seen him consistently rank among the event’s best athletes over the past four years.

Ayomide first competed in the race in 2023, where he finished second. He returned in 2024 and claimed third place, before breaking through to win the championship in 2025. Now, with his victory in 2026, he has successfully defended his crown, becoming one of the race’s most consistent performers in recent years.

Coming in second was Ologe Victor of Sagamu, who crossed the finish line in 1 hour and 10 minutes, while Barogun Akeem secured third place with a time of 1 hour and 11 minutes.

The 18-kilometre race followed a route that began at the Eagle FM premises, passing through Erunwon, Classic Hotel Roundabout, Ibadan Garage, Lagos Garage, Epe Garage and Oke-Owa, before concluding in Ilese, where residents and spectators gathered to welcome the runners.

The competition attracted athletes from different communities across Ogun State, with supporters lining sections of the route to cheer participants as they battled both the distance and the morning conditions.

According to the official results, the top ten finishers were:

Position

Athlete

Time

1st

Muhammed Ayomide

1:08

2nd

Ologe Victor

1:10

3rd

Barogun Akeem

1:11

4th

Adisa Adekunle

1:12

5th

Olukoya Opeoluwa

1:15

6th

Abdulganiyu Mokuolu

1:16

7th

Alabi Mathew

1:21

8th

Abdulsamad Agoro*

1:22

9th

Ojusoji Daniel*

1:23

10th

Shasudeen Adebayo

1:24

Beyond the competition itself, the annual marathon has become one of the defining events of the Ilese Day celebration, promoting physical fitness, healthy living and grassroots sports while bringing together athletes, residents and visitors from across the state.

For Ayomide, however, this year’s victory carries extra significance. From finishing second on his debut, dropping to third the following year, and then rising to become a two-time consecutive champion, his journey reflects persistence, resilience and continuous improvement.

As the wider Ilese Day festivities continue, his performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2026 celebration.

Muhammed Ayomide’s Ilese Day Marathon Record

• 2023: 🥈 2nd Place
• 2024: 🥉 3rd Place
• 2025: 🥇 1st Place
• 2026: 🥇 1st Place (Champion)