The annual Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has been announced to hold on May 27.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, while addressing newsmen on Thursday said the 2023 edition of the Gold Label international competition would be run for two purposes.
Shaibu stated that one of the purposes was for the prize money and the second was to create awareness about Cancer and Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
He said, “We are happy that the Okpekpe road race is kept alive as we are getting closer to our target to make the race an event of a Diamond Label status.
“The 2023 race will be on gold label as we put in our best in make the race the best in the World.
“I will not be participating for a prize, but I will be running for a cause which is to create awareness for cancer.
“Apart from running for a prize, you can run for a cause. I encourage those that cannot run for the prize to run for a cause to encourage people to go for cancer screening and HIV testing for early detection.
“We have gone beyond the race as a sports event, as we have also brought in students to use sports to sharpen their knowledge and reduce social vices in the society.
“Adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure that all residents and visitors, including athletes, coming into the state for the race are all safe and protected.”
Also speaking, Zack Amodu, the Race Director, said athletes from about 10 countries were being expected for the competition.
Amodu said the athletes were expected to arrive in Lagos on May 23 from where they would proceed to Auchi on May 24 to familiarise themselves with the environment before the main event on May 27.
He said, “Last year we organised a technical officiating course for officials with a view to enhancing the pool of the technical officials we already have in Nigeria.
“We are delighted to set the pace for road races in Nigeria and to become the first to have its course measured by a World Athletics-certified measurer and the first to be granted a label status.”
