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Okpekpe road race organiser was full of praise for the successful organisation of the race.
The organisers of the ninth edition of Okpekpe International 10km road race have hailed the contribution of the sponsors, athletes, officials, and Edo State government for the successful organisation of the first World Athletics gold label 10km road race in Nigeria.
Race promoter Mike Itemuagbor said the Edo State government headed by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki and the good people of the state, especially the indigenes of the host community, Okpekpe deserve praise for their contribution towards the success of the race despite the early morning rain.
"The Edo state government has always been there for us by providing the enabling environment for the race to grow from the first World Athletics bronze label race in Nigeria to the first gold label 10km race today," said Itemuagbor.
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14:55 - 22.05.2023
Oshiomole lauds the organiser of Okpekpe road race, excited to be part of the historic event
The organizer of Okpekpe International 10km road race gets significant support from former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomole.
He also thanked the race sponsors and partners who have sustained the historic race through the years.
"We are grateful for the support Nigeria's pioneer and largest brewing firm, Nigerian Breweries Plc gave the race through two of its quality malt and energy drinks, Amstel Malta, the drink for the youthful person who lives an active lifestyle and needs to replenish lost energy and Zagg energy malt drink.
"We are also delighted to have Petralon Energy Limited as our CSR partner. Petralon added spice to the race by sponsoring 100 Ora youths to the race."
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16:38 - 21.04.2023
Development Bank renews partnership as the official bank of Okpekpe Road Race
Development Bank of Nigeria becomes the third sponsors of Okpekpe International Road Race.
Itemuagbor was delighted that the Development Bank of Nigeria set up to alleviate financing constraints faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), was also on board as the race's official bank.
The race promoter was appreciative of the support from Dan Oil and Petrochemicals, as well as that of Supersport and African Independent Television, AIT, who provided the live telecast of the race to millions of Nigerians and Africans across the globe.
"We are particularly grateful to the men and women who worked as officials and volunteers and defied the heavy downpour to ensure the race was a success. We say a big thank you.
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15:29 - 29.05.2023
Itsekiri equals PB of 10.02s, puts himself back in the debate of Nigeria's top sprinters
Usheoritse Itsekiri ran his fastest time since 2019, putting himself back in the debate of Nigeria's best sprinters this season.
"We also thank the athletes, both local and international, who ran in the first gold label 10km road race on Nigerian soil."
Itemuagbor is particularly happy the organisers were able to attract two of the top 20 10km runners in the history of the event, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo of Kenya, who set a new 28:28 course record, and Yasin Haji, the defending champion from Ethiopia.
"Ebenyo is the fourteenth fastest man in the history of the event, while Haji is just next to him as the fifteenth best," said Itemuagbor.
Kazakhstan's Caroline Chepkoech Kipriu sped to a 32.38 finish to set a new course record on her way to winning the women's title in her debut in the competition.
The title and the course were a befitting birthday present for the Kazakhstani who turned 29 on the eve of the historic race.
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22:46 - 28.05.2023
Video: Kerley reveals the reason he won Rabat race - 'There's no one like me'
Fred Kerley talks tough after winning Rabat Diamond League.
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