IAAF confirms May 12 for Okpekpe Race
The Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Charles Kie has pledged his company’s continued support for the Okpekpe international 10km road race.
Kie made this pledge while commending Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, organisers of the trail-blazing road race in Nigeria on the recent upgrade of the event to a Silver Label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
“We are delighted to be a strong part of the success story of the Okpekpe Road Race, especially on this latest elevation to the Silver Label Race which is the first to be so recognised in West Africa and the second ever silver label road race in the entire African continent after the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa which was upgraded to a Gold Label race last year,” ‘said Kie.
The Ecobank chief further stressed that the elevation does not only lend credence to the standard and popularity of the race, but also represents a milestone in the development of sports in Nigeria.
He added that the upgrade further justifies Ecobank’s consistent support to the annual event and reiterated that the Okpekpe’s vision of a top quality competition that affords top athletes from across Africa the opportunity to compete and socialize ties with the bank’s pan-African posture. He maintained that the bank supports and encourages creativity and excellence among Africans, especially the young people, who are the future of the continent.
Meanwhile the IAAF has confirmed the May 12, 2018 date set by the organisers of the Okpekpe international 10km road race for the sixth edition of the event in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo state.
The race has been listed as one of the 10 silver label races to hold in the first half of 2018.
The Okpekpe 10km international road race is the first and only road race in Nigeria that has been granted full membership of Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
It is also the first road race in Nigeria to have its course measured by an IAAF/AIMS