Edo State Deputy Governor Comrade Philips Shaibu has reiterated that the state’s government to raise the standard of the event the famous Okpepe 10Km Road Race.
Shaibu who ran in the VIP Race, expressed delight with the turnout of athletes, officials and the locals after curtain was drawn on its eighth edition on Saturday.
“The race is a World Athletics elite label event and I am happy it is back again,” said Shaibu. “This is the first race in Africa to be granted a label status by World Athletics which makes it one of the world class races across the globe.
“ The target now is to get upgraded to a World Athletics elite platinum label. Edo is a pacesetter race and the heartbeat of Nigeria and we are determined to always lead in sports.”
Meanwhile, for the third time in eight editions, Ethiopians have emerged winners of the men and women’s titles after Jasin Hadi (29.05) and Anchinaiu Dessie outran their Kenyan challengers yesterday in Okpekpe.
Hadi’s 29.95s clocking is the third fastest winning time in the history of the race. He won ahead of Kenyan duo of Elvis Cheboi (29.20s) and Bereket Nego (29.30s).
For his effort, Hadi went home with the $13,000 top prize money while In the women’s race, Dessie’s 33.09s effort fetched her $13,000.
For the Nigerians in the race, Ismael Sadjo (31.12s) and Rose Akusho (36.40s) came home first respectively.
Mike Itemuagbor, organiser of the race expressed joy at the successful conduct of the race.