International and Nigerian athletes converged in Edo State on Saturday (yesterday) to compete for laurels at the sixth edition of the IAAF Silver Label Okpekpe 10km Road Race.
The athletes defied the rain and heavy wind that almost marred the competition which starts exactly 8.00am, the first time it will be so.
Kibet Alex from Kenya won the race in 29mins, 46secs ahead of other Kenyans in the male category. Simon Chepat took second 30mins, 29secs while Ronoh Timothy took third by finishing 30mins and 39secs.
Ethiopian’ Yami Dera Dida was the winner in the female category while Kenyan athletes, Tuei Sandra Chebet and Kipyokei Diana finished second and third respectively.
Speaking with journalist, Kibet expressed his happiness at winning the race in his first visit to the country and promised to defend it in 2019.
“I want to thank God for winning this race. This is my first time to be here,” he said.
“The course was not easy especially the finishing point. The starting point was okay but the finishing point was hilly.
“The wind also affected the athletes because personally, I would have returned a better time than what I did, but in all, it was a good race.”
Nigerian couples, Emmanuel Gyan and Deborah Pam leave up to their pre-race boast as they won the prizes for Nigerian elite men and women category respectively.
Gyan finished ahead of Gedion Goyet and Ismail Sodiq while Pam came first with Rose Akustro and Hudung Gyang Stephen in second and third place.
Leading the pack of VIPs who participated in the race are former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, the state Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu, First Lady of the state Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and former Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Clem Agba amongst others.
The host Governor Obaseki and his predecessor Comrade Oshiomhole had completed the race despite the rain.
Vice Chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Igantious Onimawo, had led students and top management of the institution to run against cultism.
