Organizers of Okpekpe’s historic international 10km road race say they are delighted to see several road races in Nigeria earn World Athletics recognition.

World Athletics in Nigeria has certified up to 16 road races after its last update in December 2022.

“We are delighted to set the pace for road racing in Nigeria and become the first to have their course measured by a World Athletics certified measurer and the first to receive tag status,” says Zack Amodu, Race Director of Okpekpe.

The World Athletics road race classification began in 2008. The classification means that road races are those that World Athletics designates as one of the major road races worldwide.

Okpekpe’s international 10km road race began in 2013 and two years later she was among 88 in the world to be awarded bronze tag status.

“We are happy to be the first road race in West Africa to be awarded tag status in 2015. Our pioneering effort has had a positive impact on road racing in Nigeria with 16 courses measured by certified tripmeters,” he added. Amodu.

Okpekpe’s race director says the race organizers will continue to come up with ideas and innovations that other road races in Nigeria can learn from and borrow while continuing to ensure that road racing becomes a culture in Nigeria.

Amodu thanked the Edo State government that provided the infrastructure that made the race possible, as well as the corporate citizens and individuals who have been supporting the race.

“The result of their support, both financial and otherwise, is the positive development we are seeing in road racing in Nigeria.

‘With the support, we are building a culture of healthy living and fair competition. We are also helping to positively engage our youth who now earn a living from their passion.”

Amodu also thanks the athletes and technical officials who have made the race not only the first world-class road race event in West Africa, but also the best in terms of technical and administrative organization.

‘Without the athletes and the officials, we would never have gotten this far. They are the reason why the race has been such a success.”

The 9th edition of the Okpekpe gold label international 10km road race will be held in the city of Okpekpe in Edo state on May 27, 2023.